BOURNE — Angelo J. "Ange" DiModica, 86, of Grey Gables, well known local businessman and longtime community activist, died Sunday, May 4, 2008, from complications due to an automobile accident in March.
He was the husband of Antoinette "Toni" (Livoti) DiModica.
Born in Somerville, on June 25, 1921, the son of the late Philip and Rose (Gianino) DiModica, he lived in Bourne for most of his life. He was raised and educated in Arlington and was a 1939 graduate of Arlington High School. He then attended Worcester Academy, where he excelled in football and lacrosse, and he also attended New England Aircraft School.
Mr. DiModica came to the Cape in the summer of 1937. He began work at the former Onset and Warr theaters.
He entered the Army in 1943, assigned to the 1375th Army Air Base. He attained the rank of corporal, and was awarded the American Theater Campaign Ribbon and the Good Conduct Medal. He was honorably discharged in January 1946.
Upon his release from the service, he settled in Buzzards Bay. He operated a mink farm for several years before establishing the Bourne Bridge Liquor Store, originally located on the north approach to the Bourne Bridge, next to the former Sandy's Restaurant. In 1963, he relocated the business to the Rotary at the Bourne Bridge. The familiar A-frame building is somewhat of a local landmark. He retired from the business in 1993 but continued with the ownership of the property and remained active with family enterprises. He also owned the Buzzards Bay Theater and the stores on Main Street.
In the late 1950s, Mr. DiModica served as chairman of the Buzzards Bay Chamber of Commerce, chairman of the 1st Shore & Harbor Committee, general chairman of the 1st Kiwanis Sportsman's Show, held at the Armory, and in 1960 served as president of the Bourne-Sandwich Kiwanis Club. He was past president of the Grey Gables Association, and served on many town committees.
In the 1950s, he teamed with the late "Gadabout Gaddis" the Flying Fisherman, and made a film that was made for TV and shown many times in the area.
A licensed projectionist, he was a longtime member of the Power Squadron. He loved people and had a wonderful sense of humor and a marvelous wit. He loved to make folks laugh.
The DiModica family would like to extend their appreciation to Dr. Chet Mohr and the many nurses and staff at Cape Cod Hospital for their care and loving support during Mr. DiModica's hospitalization.
Surviving, in addition to his wife of 55 years, are his children, Philip J. DiModica of Bourne, and Rosanne Woollam and her husband, Jim, of Pocasset; a brother, Joseph P. DiModica of Fairview, N.C.; his grandchildren, Robert W. Woollam and his wife, Kristen, of Belmont, and Michael J. Woollam of Springfield. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews.
He was also the brother of the late John F. DiModica, Margaret C. DiModica, and Sadie M. Cappello.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral, with military honors, on Friday, May 9, at 10:15 a.m., from the Nickerson-Bourne Funeral Home, 40 MacArthur Blvd., Bourne, with a funeral Mass in St. John the Evangelist Church, Pocasset, at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at the Massachusetts National Cemetery, at 1:15 p.m.
Calling hours are Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m.
Due to flower restrictions at the cemetery, donations in his memory sent to the Multiple Sclerosis Society, P.O. Box 541617, Waltham, MA 02454, would be appreciated.
Funeral arrangements are by the Charles F. Oteri and Son Franklin Funeral Home 33 Cottage Franklin, MA.