Eileen DiMaria

Eileen (Scarmazzo) DiMaria, 85, of Las Vegas, NV, who was born February 6, 1939, in Paterson, NJ, died March 4, 2024, in Las Vegas. Eileen was born in Paterson, and lived more than half her life in both Paterson and Wayne, NJ. She leaves behind her devoted children, Donna DiMaria and Lindsey (Jon) DiMaria, both of Las Vegas; her dedicated brother, Emil Scarmazzo and his life partner, Lynn; loving granddaughter, Lucia Lauria; caring nieces Victoria Cuttita and Amy Lietzke, and their wonderful families; as well as numerous cousins and remaining friends.

Preceding Eileen in death were her beautiful daughter, Debbie DiMaria; parents Edith (Florio) Scarmazzo and the gifted Emil Scarmazzo, Sr; cherished sister-in-law Esther (Diaz) Scarmazzo, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Eileen moved from Paterson to Las Vegas in 1996 to be closer to her daughter, Donna, and, four years later, began the creation of the special bond that she shared with her newly minted granddaughter, Lucia. Eileen worked primarily in the food industry as a server and bartender for many years before settling in Las Vegas. She worked as a slot technician before retiring several years ago.

Eileen enjoyed her family, especially around the holidays, and indulged her father's vegetable garden in the summers, typical of north Jersey's tomato and zucchini loving Italians. Also typical of north Jersey residents were the trips down the shore, which Eileen loved taking her kids to every summer with best friend, Betty Lou Padula, and her family.

Eileen was handy and for many years was a seamstress extraordinaire, and she could handle a paint brush and hammer, just like her father. She was also a profound cook, like her mother. She became a beautician in her earlier years and worked/socialized with her various friends and family members that would drop by Salem Road for a hair tune-up and some fun chat.

Perhaps what brought most joy to Eileen was her love of music, especially tunes from the big band/swing era, 50's, and Motown. The last decade of her life she lived with progressive dementia, which curtailed her meaning of the past while essential memories faded away, but, amazingly, her memory of music remained relatively steadfast.

There will be a remembrance gathering in north Jersey for family and friends in honor of Eileen at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to a wonderful non-profit organization that both educates and provides experiences through music for those stricken with dementia, Alzheimer's, and PTSD: musicmendsminds.org