DiCHIARA, JOHN LOUIS, 87, of Louisville, passed away Saturday March 7, 2009, peacefully with his son, daughter and granddaughter around him. He was born November 16, 1921 outside Otisco, IN, the son of Marco and Maria (Cozzarini) DiChiara. He attended St. Timothy Catholic Church and was a World War II Navy veteran, having served in the Pacific Theatre for four years, and was a "Purple Heart" Recipient. He was one of the first group of men to be chosen for Amphibious Special Training, forerunner of the Navy S.E.A.L. He was a lifetime member with over 50 years with the Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Union. He was a homebuilder & entrepreneur, owning DiChiara's Tile & DiChiara's Custom Cultured Marble, touching many homes, businesses and schools in the Louisville area. He will be remembered as an avid fisherman, hunter, gardener and stamp collector. He loved to beautifully restore antique wood furniture and created unique canes and walking sticks. He had dedicated over 40 years researching the DiChiara & Sharp family histories.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 44 years, Dorsey (Sharp) DiChiara, and his parents; and three brothers, Guido, Robert and Augie.
Survivors include a daughter, Diane DiChiara; a son, Larry DiChiara and his wife Mayna; four grandchildren, Elly Jocham (Scott), Chiara Armstrong (Robert) and Brandon and Devon DiChiara; three great grandchildren, Matthew and Camron Armstrong and Alec Jocham; and one sister, Mary Alexander
Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Wednesday at Owen Funeral Home 5317 Dixie Hwy, with burial to follow in Bethany Cemetery.
Visitation will be held from 2-8 p.m. Tuesday at the Funeral Home.
Online condolences to www.owenfuneralhome.com