Gaetano "Thomas" DiMarco was born in the years just before the great depression in Brooklyn, New York to Nicholas and Concetta DiMarco. Nicholas was a baker and the whole family was involved in this business from their early childhood. Tom drove their delivery truck in his teens, and met his future wife Anne at the bakery when she came in for Italian ices. They married in 1953.
Tom's early life was interesting. He was once a child actor in films, and later entered singing contests where he beat out future Grammy winners from time to time. He also loved to dance and did so until his 80s. For a time he was also a driving instructor in Manhattan, where he taught influential theater people how to drive. This provided him access to hear then unknown stars like Barbra Streisand and Harry Belafonte sing in exclusive clubs in the city.
Interested in electronics, Tom obtained one of the first electronic engineering degrees in the country and then managed electronics plants, where he produced equipment such as stereo systems and NASA batteries. After the death of his father, Tom returned to baking, first in his father's bakery in Deer Park, New York (Stella D'Oro) and then for King Kullen on Long Island. After retiring, he moved to sunny Florida where he was known as the "mayor" in the dance clubs he frequented.
He and Anne had six children, Nicholas (deceased), Laura, Lisa, Thomas, Peter (Stacey), and Steven (Sheila). His two step-children are Jackie and Anthony. He was also the grandfather of Tina, Christopher (Tiffany), Gianna, Thomas and Anne Marie, as well as the great-grandfather of Robert, Xander and Aryssa. His two step grand-children are AnnaMarie and Robert. Tom was also raised in a large family. He was predeceased by a sister and two brothers and their spouses, Josie (Vic), Frank (Rose), and Joe (Gloria). He is survived by his brother Chris (Diane) and sister Nancy (Lou). In addition he was the uncle and great uncle to many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. He also had many, many friends throughout his life.
Tom was loved by everyone. He always had a funny story or joke to tell and never passed up an opportunity to bring a smile to someone's face. He was a truly lovable man. His legacy is his family and they are truly grateful to have called him father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend.
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