Diane M. "Dee Dee" Tadiello

March 14, 1942 – February 21, 2026

Diane Marie Tadiello, lovingly known as “Dee Dee” to family and friends, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 21, 2026, with her family by her side.

Born Diane Marie LaRich on March 14, 1942, in Cleveland, Ohio, Diane was the cherished daughter of Nicholas LaRich and Helen (DiNiro) LaRich. She was a lifelong parishioner of St. Clare Catholic Church in Lyndhurst, where she attended elementary school and was also married there. She graduated from Mayfield High School.

Diane worked in several secretarial and administrative roles throughout her life. Her most treasured job was her 36 year role as the secretary for Protective Services Department at University Hospitals, where she formed lasting friendships that would carry through her life.

Family was the center of Diane’s world. She is survived by her beloved daughter, Nicolette Thieding (Darren), and her adored grandsons, Tyler, Keaton, and Grant, who brought her endless pride and happiness. She was a dog grandma to little Leap. She is also survived by her brother, Dennis LaRich (Bernadette), whom she had a close relationship with her entire life. Diane was a wonderful Aunt to her niece, Denise Merkuloff (Nick); her great-niece Sophia and great-nephew and godson Nicholas; and her nephew Nicholas LaRich. Diane treasured holidays and celebrations spent together with family. She delighted in every opportunity to get “dolled up” to spend time with those she loved, including dear friends Jane, Carol, and her cousin Susan.

Known for her warm heart and lively spirit, Diane enjoyed life’s simple pleasures. Getting her hair and nails done, coffee from Dunkin’ Donuts, and an egg sandwich from the Mayfield Heights McDonalds. She loved music, especially Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra,

Johnny Mathis and songs from the 50’s. Grandma DeeDee always looked forward to her grandsons’ robotics, scouting, and band events.

She enjoyed traveling, with one of her most cherished memories being a special trip to Italy with her daughter in 1980 where they threw coins in the Trevi Fountain. She also loved visits to Las Vegas, trips to Arizona to visit her aunt and uncle, and bus trips with her friends. But lately, her adventures were doctor appointments and lunches at her favorite Italian restaurants with her daughter and sidekick, Nicolette.

Diane had a fondness for Italian food and never missed a chance to savor her son-in-law’s fabulous cooking, happily taking her place first at the table. Her favorite color was red, she adored flowers and enjoyed reading books and watching her favorite television shows.

Soon, we will celebrate her birthday—our first without her. We will remember her witty, sweet, funny, and loving ways, and we will always set a place at the table for her.

We love you, Dee Dee.

Mass of Christian Burial 10:00 AM Saturday February 28 at St. Clare Church. Interment All Souls Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at The DiCicco and Sons Funeral Home 5975 Mayfield Rd. Mayfield Hts. Friday 4 to 7 pm.