Dario A. Petronzio

DADIO "DARIO" PETRONZIO, age 85. A custom builder whose work touched the lives of everyone who knew him. But his greatest work was as the loving father of his 3 daughters, as well as 11 Grandchildren and 7 Great Grandchildren. Loving father of Daria Mooney (Michael), Maria Petronzio and Leslie Rechin (Matthew). Dear brother of Esther Hersch (Howard), Mickey Tarantino (Don), Rose Smith (Carl) and the following deceased: Mary Contini (Anthony), Biff (Delores), Michael, Don (Sally, deceased), Metro, Ruth, Esther and Michael II. Beloved Uncle to many nieces and nephews. Dario lost his short battle with cancer on January 31, 2012. He was surrounded by his family at the time of his death. Son of Vincenzo and Antonia(nee Coco), Dario grew up in Cleveland’s East Side. He was a perfectionist in all things, and quickly grew into an accomplished student and tradesman. He answered the call to serve his country in 1943 as a member of the Navy’s Underwater Demolition Team. His final mission was to clear Tokyo Bay of sea mines in the event of an invasion of Japan...it was dangerous, but he volunteered to go. Upon his discharge, he returned to Cleveland and married Caroline Amato in 1951. He went into business with his brother Mike as his trusted partner. He built and refurbished many properties all across Northern Ohio. A job was never completely finished until he said so…the words “good enough” never existed for him. Once retired, he spent long hours in his immaculate garden, accompanied by his grandchildren. There was never as much as a pebble or even a weed near the seedlings. He meticulously cared for his plants until they were mature enough for harvest…similar to the care and protection he provided his children. He never allowed anybody to pay for a meal, and was always busy helping those he loved. As is often the case of a man so loving, and so caring, his was a life which cannot be put into words. His presence, guidance, gentleness and love will be greatly missed by many. Friends may join the family for a Memorial Service at THE DiCICCO AND SONS FUNERAL HOME, 5975 MAYFIELD RD., MAYFIELD HTS. (at Lander Rd.) ON FRIDAY AT 11 A.M. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Hospice of the Western Reserve, 300 East 185th St. Cleveland, Ohio 44119.