Kathryn Marie Dahill

Kathryn Marie Dahill, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, 92, of Melbourne, Florida, passed away on April 10, 2025 leaving an empty void that her family will never be able to fill.

Kathryn was born in Franklin Square, New York in 1932 to Frank Alberto and Rose Sipala Alberto, the first of three children.

After graduating from Bellmore High School in 1950, Kathryn started her career in bookkeeping and moved to Vineland, New Jersey. Not long after moving to Vineland, she met and married Daniel Dumbainski on February 14, 1954. Together, they started their new life and settled down in East Islip, New York. In February 1972, Daniel passed away leaving Kathryn a widow and single parent to two young children: Daniel and Karen.

Kathryn joined her uncle's (Richard Sipala) business, Whitman Nurseries, as the office secretary. Here, she helped him design and develop his retail mall that became known as Sipala Plaza, home to the International Diamond Exchange. It's here that she met our father, James Dahill whom she married in 1976. Their marriage united our family, and we have been together for 48 years.

After her marriage, Kathryn devoted her time volunteering. At first, she volunteered at the schools in the PTA groups. She taught CCD to the neighborhood kids. She later volunteered at Southside Hospital in Bay Shore New York, where she ended a long career there as the manager of the gift shop.

Kathryn and our father, James, retired permanently to Florida in 1989 and began the next chapter of their lives. The first order of business for mom was to design and build their forever home. And, what a home it is. Over the course of 35 years, many memories were made there that we will cherish forever.

Kathryn was a beloved mother to Maureen Johnson (Glenn) of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania; Kathleen Curtiss (Sterling) Chuluota, Florida; Daniel Dahill (Celeste) of East Islip, New York and Karen Tabet (Tim) of Palm Bay, Florida. Kathryn was a grandmother to Melissa Johnson of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Thomas Dahill (Jackie) of Patchogue New York, Timothy Tabet (Partner Caitlynne) of Palm Bay, Florida, Nicholas Dahill (Kayla) of St. Augustine, Florida and Kaitlyn Tabet (Fiancée Andre) of Orlando, Florida. Additionally, Kathryn was a great grandmother to Emma Johnson of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Her children, grandchildren and great grandchild will never forget the love that only a mother and grandmother can give. The bond between them will never be broken.

Kathryn was a devoted sister to Frank Alberto (Bohemia, New York) and was preceded in death by her brother Joseph Alberto (Dolores) of East Islip, New York. Her brothers and sisters-in-law together instilled in their children the importance of family and faith. Keeping us all as one as we grew up in our "Big Italian Family".

Kathryn was a caring aunt to many. She was a godmother to her niece, Donna DeFede of Sayville, New York in which the two shared a special bond.

Kathryn always kept an open door to all. She was always there to listen and give advice whether you asked for it or not.

Kathryn was preceded in death by her husband, James P. Dahill, her parents and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

There will be a viewing and service at 5 pm on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at Brownlie & Maxell Funeral Home in Melbourne. Then, on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at 11 am, she will be laid to rest at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery in Mims.

Donations can be made to your local Breast Cancer Foundation in memory of her.