John David DiMartino

John David DiMartino passed away peacefully and returned to his eternal home with Jesus on Wednesday, December 28th, 2022 in Clayton, North Carolina. He was 103 ½ years young. The world has lost a great father, grandfather, husband and friend. We’ll always remember that special smile, that caring heart and that warm embrace. His kindness and generosity were infectious and it was impossible to be around him and not feel his warmth.  John will be remembered for his kind and easy going nature, his generous spirit and his incredible zest for life. Above all, he had a steadfast love for both family and friends alike. He was especially proud of his four grandsons. 

John was born in Winsted, Connecticut on June 24, 1919, to Angelina and Michael DiMartino.  He was the youngest boy in a big Italian family of eleven and was the last surviving member.  He often joked that he would be “the last one to turn out the light”.

John enlisted in the Navy during World War II and served as a Navy Aviation Machinist Mate 2nd class. He was stationed in the Gilbert Marshall Islands in the Pacific Theatre from 1942-1945. His exemplary service was rewarded with the Point System Medal, American Area Medal, WW II Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the Asiatic-Pacific Medal. 

John married the love of his life, Rosalie Ann Spaulding on June 29, 1946.  John and Ann made their home in Grand Haven, Michigan. He served as the airport manager and also operated a flying service. 

John would often fly people to Boyne City, Michigan while working as a pilot for Courters, and quickly grew to enjoy the area. He and Ann would then move to Boyne City in 1955.  They had already started their family prior to moving to Boyne with the birth of their daughter and son (Cristy Ann and Frederick Michael). They would later welcome their youngest daughter, Lynn Marie, while they lived in Boyne City.

John was Plant Manager for more than 30 years for Boyne Products, then Essex Wire and finally United Technologies.  He was especially proud of the fact that the former employees of the plant still get together to have a plant picnic annually in the summer.  A special thanks to Kathy Gilmore for planning and organizing this event that meant so much to John. 

John served as a flight instructor and examiner until he turned 90 years old.  He kept his own plane, Cessna 172, at the East Jordan airport for many years. 

John had been a devoted and active member of St. Matthew Catholic Church going all the way back to 1955. He served on the church board for more than 60 years and was the chairman of the building committee for both the church and the rectory.

He was a founding member of the Boyne City Swim School as well as a member of the Boyne City school board for 10 years.  He had a special love for Camp Daggett and served as a board member since 1962.

He joined the Rotary Club in 1957 and had perfect attendance for 30 years. He received the Paul Harris Award for his service and dedication. 

Surviving to cherish his memory are his 3 children: Cristy Ann (Dan Arnott) DiMartino, Fred DiMartino, Lynn (Scott Brown) DiMartino , Special daughter /friend Nancy Martin, Special daughter/caregiver Kyla Hodgekinson and grandchildren John Michael DiMartino, Michael Anthony DiMartino, Christian DiMartino Brown and Jonathan DiMartino Brown and many special nieces, nephews, and friends.

John was welcomed in heaven by his beloved wife Ann DiMartino, parents Angelina and Michael DiMartino and brothers and sisters: Joe and (Marty) DiMartino, Mike and (Eleanore) DiMartino, Angelo and (Allie) DiMartino, Salvo and (Jenny) DiMartino, Nunzio and (Florence) DiMartino, Jay and (Al) Pergola, Mary and (John) Burger, Rose and (Al) Botta and Grace and (Al) Whiting, In-Laws Ellen and Frederick Spaulding and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held at 10:00 am on June 9th, 2023 at St. Matthew Catholic Church. Mass will begin at 11:00 am. Burial to take place at Maple Lawn cemetery. Luncheon to follow interment at St. Matthew Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to St Matthew Catholic Church, 1303 Boyne Ave, Boyne City, Michigan 49712 or Camp Daggett, 3001 Church Road, Petoskey, Michigan 49770.

Those wishing to leave a condolence about John please do so on his obituary page at Stackus Funeral Home’s website, https://www.stonefuneralhomeinc.com/obituary/John-DiMartino. Please visit McLaurin Funeral Home & Pinecrest Memorial Park’s website to view other condolences, https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/clayton-nc/john-dimartino-11083237

Arrangements to be entrusted to Stackus Funeral Home in Boyne City.

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