Dominick T. DiLeo

Dominick DiLeo was a first generation American, born at home in Paterson, NJ across the street from a dairy farm to a seamstress and roadway worker. He was the only son with two older seamstress sisters, Rose and Margaret and a younger sister Lena. One of his first jobs was peeling potatoes and cleaning muscles at a nearby restaurant. He had fond memories and lessons learned serving as a chauffeur, maintaining a vehicle and driving a gentleman to and from NYC and around NJ. At 17, he joined the US Marines to fight in World War 2. After spending two years in China and Guam in the US Marines as a truck driver and later in the Reserves, he became involved in airplane mechanics. He learned different airplane engines, spending several months in the UK and later worked on helicopters in Connecticut. Missing mamma’s cooking, he returned home to Paterson. As his father died young and sisters had all married and moved away, he stayed and took care of his mother. He worked as an airplane mechanic serving nearby airports Newark, LaGuardia, and JFK eventually landing a job at Butler Aviation. After perfecting his skills, he obtained his dream job at the FAA as a Flight Safety Inspector and retired in 2006 at 77 years old.

Dominick was a family man through and through who deeply loved and cared for his mother, wife, children, siblings, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Of his many passions, he took much joy in cooking, watching cooking shows, and eating Italian food. He enjoyed traveling and cruising. He co-owned several racehorses, loved to gamble, particularly play poker in Atlantic City, and watch boxing. He also enjoyed the PAMA meetings with his industry friends. He tried his hand at boating but found living alongside the water was what he relished the best.

Upon his retirement, he spent his golden years on the Jersey Shore with his wife. His last year was spent at an assisted living facility attending Happy Hour with a few good gents who enjoyed sharing war stories.

He is predeceased by his parents, sisters Margaret and Lena, and wife Judith. He is survived by his two daughters, Melissa and her partner AJ, of NJ and Melanie and her partner Jennifer, of VT. Also, his sister Rose and many nieces and nephews.

Memorial visitation will be held from 5-8 pm Wednesday, June 22, 2022 at Bizub-Quinlan Funeral Home, 515 Lexington Avenue, Clifton. Please gather at 10:30 am Thursday, June 23, 2022  for a Mass at St. Gerard Majella RC Church, 501 West Broadway, Paterson, NJ 07522. Interment of Ashes to follow at Laurel Grove Memorial Park, Totowa. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation. [T2T.org/donate], 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306.

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