Arthur DiDea Obituary

DIDEA, ARTHUR , 84, of Orlando, FL, passed away on February 8, 2009. He was born on January 4, 1925 in the Bronx, New York. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Viola DiDea; four children, Barbara Phillips (David), Mark DiDea (Susie), Linda Sanders and Karen DiDea; seven grandchildren, Jeffrey Phillips (Christina), Chris Phillips (Lindsey), Brian DiDea, Kaitlyn DiDea, Michael Sanders, Elizabeth Sanders and Caroline Sanders; and two great-grandchildren, David Phillips and Miller Phillips. He was preceded in death by his son, Gregory DiDea. Arthur graduated with honors from City College of New York and completed Dental School at the University of Illinois. He met the love of his life in St. Louis at Washington University. They married on February 8, 1947. He served as a 1st Lieutenant in the Army for two years before moving to Orlando to establish his 30 year dental practice in 1955. He shared his life and his proudest moments with his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whom he dearly loved. He was a longstanding member of Emmanuel Episcopal Church. Arthur was involved in many ministries and served as a dentist for indigent and mentally handicapped patients as well as Cursillo, Fresh Start and We Care. He was a member of the Orange County Dental Association for Retired Dentists, the Masonic Order and the Executive Club. His greatest passions included worldwide traveling, photography, birds, butterflies and flowering plants. He had an exuberant personality, never met a stranger and always welcomed opportunities to share his faith through generosity and acts of kindness. A visitation will be held at Baldwin-Fairchild Funeral Home, 301 NE Ivanhoe Boulevard, Orlando on Friday, February 13 from 6PM to 8PM. A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, February 14 at 11AM at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 1603 East Winter Park Road, Winter Park. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Altar Guild of Emmanuel Episcopal Church or The American Cancer Society at www.cancer. org.

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Published by Orlando Sentinel on Feb. 11, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Arthur DiDea

6 Entries

Bill Mims

March 23, 2009

Mark & Linda - I have the best of momories of your father at Emmanuel Episcopal Church when I was growing up. He had an infectious and irresistable spirit and energy. There was no question as to who or whose he was. He always had an encouraging and positive message whenever I saw him. It seems to me that the church I knew and remembered was built on the shoulders of people like our parents.

You are a proud product of of great Anglican Christians. It's a hereitage you will bear proudly and continue to pass on to your children as well. I mourn your father's passing, but I celebrate his life.

Gail Andre

February 16, 2009

Dear Karen, I am so sorry for the loss of your dad. You have my deepest sympathy. May God give you and your family strength, love and hope in this time of need. I will pray for you.

Lorrie Robertson

February 12, 2009

To the entire DiDea family,

It is with great sadness I hear of Dr. DiDea's death. He was my dentist from 1977 until he retired. A favorite memory of mine was one day when he was in a hurry, he convinced me I did not need novicaine for probably the worst cavity I had ever had in my life. I have not had it since, and will always remember that day forever. Thanks for the smiles you gave me.

Janet Crews McGrotha

February 12, 2009

Mark and family,
Dr. DiDea was our family dentist for many years and was also a friend to our family. He was so very kind to us when my dad passed away in 1970. You have my deepest sympathy.

Jane Hjem-Hostetler

February 11, 2009

Dear Mark and Family:
I am so sorry for your loss. I remember as school children you won best smile during a dental contest in our class....obviously your dad took great care of your teeth!!! Please be at peace...God will reunite you some day.

Leslie Gruber

February 11, 2009

Dear Dr. DiDea,
We are so sorry at the loss of your father. You and your associates treated my son, Trevor, with great care. May you find peace in special memories.
Sincerely,
Leslie, Jim & Trevor Gruber

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