Dante L. Rodighiero

Dante L. Rodighiero was born at Roseland Community Hospital on May 12, 1935.  He attended Pullman School and served as altar boy at Holy Rosary church throughout his grammar school years.  Dante was a freshman at St. Rita High School when he met his high school sweetheart, Nancy L. Rodighiero, while ice skating at Palmer Park.  Dante turned 18, graduated high school, joined the Army National Guard and then proposed to Nancy.  Dante and Nancy married a year later at Holy Rosary Church; together they had four children.

Dante inherited his father's gift for drawing and painting. As artists do, one way Dante expressed his love for his children was through his art. When his children were very young, he sketched and painted a magical, colorful and creative mural based on Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs on the walls of his daughters' bedroom, leaving us to feel as if we'd entered "The Forest."  His love for his son was expressed and shared through many fishing trips and grammar school football games.

Dante was one of those unique individuals who had gifts from both sides of the brain.  As intricate, complex and masterful as his artwork, he understood, designed and problem solved through the technical aspects of water/ sewer, electrical, machinist, woodworking, plumbing and even lawn sprinkler systems!  Dante had careers, as well as hobbies, in each of these areas throughout his entire life.  He was always meticulously and passionately working on some project outside of his work.  Dante also loved fishing, camping, hunting, playing cards and sports.

Dad had an entrepreneur spirit within.  One example was when he carved and painted dozens of life-like wooden woodpeckers and brought them to the local convenience store to sell as yard decorations. When his daughter learned that there had been minimal sales activity, she visited the convenience store, expressed to the owner her admiration for the birds and, without identifying herself, purchased half of them!  The joy in her father's heart when the owner shared the news with Dad was priceless!

Dante was a consummate problem solver both around the house and at work.  He was frequently flown around the country to repair machines that no one else could.  Bosses, coworkers, neighbors, friends and family members presented him their broken machines and broken treasures because he would fix it, restore it, redeem it!  Dad taught us that there was always a solution to be found!

And no matter the task, Dante ALWAYS had just the right tool.  Dante and his second wife, Emily, lived in Homewood since the early 70s. Everyone in their neighborhood knew Dan would not only solve each of their house/yard/car problems, but would also have the tool & expertise to do the job— no matter how unique the need.  Most importantly, Dan gave of himself to help out those in his community, whether to snowplow their sidewalks, troubleshoot their lawn or other outdoor problems, lend a tool or give of his time, initiate a friendly wave or "Hello" or lend an ear to warm a hurting heart.  Dan knew no stranger.

Dante L Rodighiero 89, of Homewood passed peacefully on September 28th.  He was preceded in death by his daughter, Sharon Rodighiero, his parents, Dante & Inez Rodighiero. his brothers, Jerry Rodighiero and Ronnie Rodighier and his wife Emily Rodighiero.

Left here on earth missing him are his daughters, Nancy Ann Rodighiero, Deb (Rodighiero) Kern and son Anthony Rodighiero (Tina); 7 grandchildren: Gabriela Rodighiero, Brandy Jania, Sarah Parker (Phil), Becca Kern, Alyssa Flora (Ben), Michael Rodighiero, and Sophie (Michael) Rafferty; 3 great grandchildren, 4 nieces, 2 nephews, 6 great nieces and nephews and 3 great, great nieces and nephews.