Dimataris, Melissa

Melissa Dimataris, 22, moved onto a more peaceful paradise on Monday, October 21st, 2013. In April 2010, Melissa was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. After proving her strength, she entered remission. Unfortunately, a few months later, she was diagnosed again, leading her to receive a cord blood transplant. Her perseverance, positive attitude, and strong support system helped the already natural fighter, fight her way through her 3½ year cancer battle.

Melissa had a strong passion for music, theatre, and performing. Her unique voice filled many rooms and many hearts. She was fortunate enough to have remarkable experiences throughout her journey, including performing at Radio City Music Hall and at a NY Rangers Game. Her light-hearted, optimistic, and genuine personality helped her shine.

She is survived by her tremendous family- her father, Pericles, her sister, Lena, and her brothers, Socrates, Pericles, and Joseph, her great friends and her wonderful community of supporters. Love and support was always felt from near and far - and for that, Melissa and her family are forever grateful. The family would also like to thank the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Athletes for Cancer, and Garden of Dreams for giving Melissa rewarding experiences and treasured memories.

Thank you to the Maria Fareri Children's Hospital at Westchester Medical Center for helping Melissa throughout her long journey. A special thank you to all of her loving and nurturing nurses for making the hospital feel like home. Finally, thank you to all who let Melissa into their hearts. Melissa will be remembered as a brave, energetic ray of light - an inspiration to us all.

A Funeral Service will be held Friday 11:00 AM at the Anthony R. Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale, NJ. The family will be accepting visitors on Thursday, October 24th from 4-9 PM.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Melissa's memory to the Ronald McDonald House Charities at www.rmhc.org.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Journal News on Oct. 23, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Melissa Dimataris

16 Entries

Carol

October 26, 2013

I was just a person caught in the traffic of cars with lights. I was annoyed at the never ending cars and then realized it must be a funeral and wow ....this must have been someone famous or very very special. I asked one of the drivers and he said it was Melissa. I had to know more about her Indeed she sounds special and very unique. My condolences to a family I don't know but who should be very proud of the many people who honored her, myself included.

October 25, 2013

What a beautiful young woman, her picture says it all. We lost our 22 year old son, Gardner, in April as a result of ALL. I can honestly say we know what you are going through and can only say that your love and support for her during her 3 and 1/2 fight was monumental and Melissa was unendingly grateful. Our thoughts are with you, it's a black hole, make sure you are getting help and talking to someone and it does somehow, get better, it never ends, but you slowly begin to embrace the good memories over the loss...

Elizabeth Pluchino

October 24, 2013

May u rest in peace always new you were an angel! God bless your family you will be missed!

Jeanne Rogers

October 24, 2013

Heaven has another angel..... Love you Melissa.. May you rest in peace......

October 23, 2013

You will be forever blessed with Melissa's memories ... Our Heartfelt condolences.

October 23, 2013

A beautiful tribute to someone I never knew, but wish I had...

October 23, 2013

My prayers go out for Melissa and her family. No words that I may say can ease the pain of losing a loved one, yet I believe one day we shall be reunited with our loved ones in Gods eternal heaven. Melissa and her joy will live on forever. - James Hollander

Anoymous

October 23, 2013

My heartfelt condolences to the Dimataris Family. Melissa is a beautiful Angel in Heaven now. May she rest in peace.

Diane Williams

October 23, 2013

Words cannot express how sad I am for your loss. Melissa was a very special person who touched the lives of so many. Heaven has received a beautiful angel.

Patty Pellegrin Bonanno

October 23, 2013

During this most difficult time, may you always cherish Melissa's sweet smile & gorgeous heart! She truly was an angel on earth... and will now reside with our Lord! Our deepest prayers & blessings are with you all. Prayers of Sympathy, The Bonanno Boy'Z' and their mother.

Samantha Buck

October 23, 2013

My thoughts and prayers go out to Melissa and her family. You were kind to everyone and never had a single bad thing to say. You had such an amazing voice and even battling cancer never stopped you from missing a karaoke night. My biggest regret in life is not making that documentary on your story over the summer. You were so excited to tell your story and the main focus we said would be on your transplant. I would have loved to capture those moments of you making it too a milestone of 100 days, for the worst was over. You were so strong and will never be forgotten. Melodies for Melissa <3

Meghann Flynn

October 23, 2013

My deepest sympathies to you and your loved ones. We know your light and song will remain in our hearts forever.

DAwn Nylander

October 23, 2013

I am so very sorry for the passing of Melissa. May her memory be eternal and you feel God's loving arms around all of you.

Lizbeth Buck

October 23, 2013

So sorry for you loss Melissa was a great inspiration to all and will be missed greatly. The Buck Family

October 23, 2013

You have my deepest sympathy for the loss of your precious daughter. May God continue to provide your family with strength and support. (Psalm 145:14)

The Clarke Family

October 22, 2013

Our thoughts are with all of you at this difficult time. May your wonderful, loving memories of Melissa bring you comfort.

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