Carl Lawrence De Dionisio

Carl Lawrence De Dionisio, 97 years of age, passed away suddenly yet peacefully on Saturday, April 30, 2016, at Huntington Memorial Hospital in Pasadena, CA. His great-grand nephew, Joshua Chase, and Joshua's wife, Elizabeth, who both served as Carl's family caregivers and advocates, were by his side when he died.

Born in Erie, PA on September 15, 1918, Carl was a son of the late Serafino and Marianne (Cutrona) De Dionisio. The fourth youngest of 13 children, he enlisted in the Army at age 17. He served in WWII and the Korean War as a combat medic, and honorably completed 25 years of service. After retirement, he worked in several contracted positions, and was an avid do-it-yourselfer. He spent much time volunteering in the community, with his church, and through the Knights of Columbus, for whom he once served as Grand Knight.

Carl and his wife, Carolyn Smith De Dionisio, who survives him, traveled the world, and also visited all of the contiguous 48 states in their motor home – beloved dog and cat in tow. Because they never had children, they almost always had pets.

The De Dionisios lived in Carolyn's home state of California for virtually all of their adult lives. Married in Okinawa, they resided in Van Nuys, and then Encino, where Carl was a member of Our Lady of Grace Roman Catholic Church. The two moved into senior living in 2013, where they both enjoyed entertainment, delicious meals, and fun activities. "Uncle Carl," known for being exceptionally good-natured, was having a wonderful time in life all the way to the end. Carolyn continues to reside in the senior community in Sierra Madre, CA, where adoring staff and friends surround her. Longtime caregivers for Carl and Carolyn, Rosenda and Mariano, will continue to lovingly support Carolyn.

Besides his parents, Carl was preceded in death by all of his siblings - six sisters: Victorine Gorr, Lucy Kearns, Alvena Francisco, Marian Mando, Irene Fillipo, and Eleanor Dubaj; and six brothers: Angelo J. "Bisk," Serafino Jr., Paul, Albert, Raymond, and Donald De Dionisio.

In addition to Carolyn, Carl is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews (including "great," "great-grand," and "great-great-grand"), his nephew and godson, Gordon Walk, and many cousins.

A memorial mass will be conducted at Our Lady of Grace in Encino, CA, on Saturday, May 21st, at 11:00 a.m. There will be a similar service in Erie, PA later in the spring/early summer. His urn will be interred at a later date in Erie, and will be done so with Military Funeral Honors.