Mario R. "Marty" Dedo

Marty was born in Keene on April 23rd 1922 to Guerino Dedomenico (William Dedo) and Vincenza DiMeco, both who were born in Italy.

Marty attended St. Joseph’s School in Keene and graduated from Keene High School in 1941 where he was class President. Marty was an outstanding athlete at Keene High earning letters in Football, Basketball, Hockey and Baseball. Baseball in particular was his love and he was considered a local legend accordingly. Marty also attended Hebron Academy in Maine. In early 1942, he had a tryout with the Boston Braves (Managed by Casey Stengel) and remained with Boston as batting practice and ball pen catcher – he later finished the season within their farm system Bradford Bees and the Pony League in Pennsylvania. After the war, Marty went to spring training with Boston and was farmed to the Ohio State League, Richmond (IN) Roses.

Marty enlisted in the US Navy in November 1942 and served as Aviation Radioman Third Class aboard Airship Squadron 51, Blimp Squadron 11 and Blimp Squadron 24 where he earned the World War II Victory Medal, American Theatre Medal and Good Conduct Medal. He received an honorable discharge from the US Navy in 1946. He was a proud member of the American Legion Cheney Armstrong Post #50 for over 60 years.

Marty married Ruth Herk of Troy in 1950 and had two children, Suzan in 1951 and Steven in 1955. He operated the Park Theater in Jaffrey for a number of years and also owned the Village Real Estate and Insurance Company. In 1958, he joined The Peterson’s Real Estate, Inc. of Peterborough and became Vice-President in 1962 where he remained for a number of years.

Marty was a member of the National Association of Realtors – NH Board of Realtors, past member of The Monadnock Board and later The Contoocook Board of Realtors and also served on The Standard Forms Committee of NH; The Peterborough Lions Club, Amoskeag Veterans and past president of the Peterborough Golf Club.

Marty retired in 1982 and moved back to Keene which he considered his real home. He set up a small shop where he repaired, built and sold golf clubs, keeping him close to yet another game he loved. Marty was a proud, intelligent, personable yet humble man who enjoyed life and making numerous friends along the way.

Marty is survived by his wife: Ruth Dedo of the Maplewood Nursing Home in Westmoreland; his son: Steven Dedo and his partner David Lawson of West Kirby England; two grand-children: Ross Kukish and his wife Kristine of Wilton, and Andrew Kukish of Peterborough; a great-grand daughter: Suzan Kukish; his son-in-law: Robert Kukish of Peterborough; as well as several cousins, nieces and nephews.

Marty’s daughter Suzan Elizabeth (Dedo) Kukish passed away in 2006 and his brother Albert in 1990 and brother Robert in 2000.

A private graveside service will be held for family at St. Joseph Cemetery in Keene. There will be no visiting hours. The Foley Funeral Home of Keene is assisting the family with these arrangements (www.foleyfuneral.com ).

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Maplewood Nursing Home, 201 River Road, Westmoreland, NH 03467, where Marty received exceptional care, assistance and love from a truly dedicated team of individuals.