Dominic DiOrio, Hughes toolmaker

 

Dominic DiOrio of 100 River Road, Wilton, a Ridgefield native who was a tool and die maker, died on Monday, Nov. 1, 2004, at the Pope John Paul II Center for Healthcare in Danbury. He was 90 years old.

A son of Biagio and Maria DeBenigno DiOrio, Mr. DiOrio was born on July 17, 1914, in Branchville. He attended Ridgefield schools and graduated in 1933 from Ridgefield High School. He played high school baseball as well as local hockey.

He attended Henry Abbott Technical School and worked as a tool and die maker in Bridgeport and Long Island before relocating to California in 1941 where he worked for Hughes Aircraft for 25 years as a toolmaker, price analyst and engineering and procurement liaison before his retirement. He moved back to the Ridgefield-Wilton area in 1993.

Mr. DiOrio was active in tennis, playing in local tournaments and was an avid golfer and pool player.

He is survived by four nephews, Donald Edwards of Tucson, Ariz., Eugene “Gus” Edwards of New Fairfield, Jerome Edwards of Wilton, and James P. DiOrio of Antioch, Ill., as well as several grandnieces, grandnephews, great-grandnieces and great-grandnephews.

Two brothers -- Louis DiOrio and James V. DiOrio -- and three sisters -- Rose Marie DiOrio, Zuleme Nunzarro and Catherine Edwards -- died before him.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, Nov. 22, at 10:30 a.m. in Sacred Heart Church, Georgetown.

Interment will take place in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

There will be no calling hours.

Contributions in his memory may be made to Sacred Heart Church, P.O. Box 388, Georgetown CT 06829

The Kane Funeral Home in Ridgefield is in charge of arrangements.