OBITUARY
Dominic "Dickie" Anthony Aceto
November 15, 1928 – December 29, 2020
PORTLAND – It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of my husband, our father and grandfather, Dominic Anthony Aceto, “Dickie”, 92 of Portland, Maine.
He died peacefully surrounded by his loving family on December 29, 2020. Born November 15, 1928, in Portland, he was the eldest son of twelve children of Vincenzo James Aceto and Josephine Antoinette Addario who emigrated from Lettomanopello, Abbruzzo, Italy.
Dominic reveled in his Italian heritage growing up in the center of the Little Italy neighborhood in Portland on Newbury Street. Stories of mischief and fun escapades filled his childhood. Dedicated to Little Italy, Dominic along with his sons and neighbors adored preparing foods for the annual St. Peter's Bizarre. He was a lifelong member of the Italian Heritage Club where he enjoyed singing his heart out at family celebrations to Frank Sinatra’s “I Did It My Way” and “Maggie’s Back in Town”.
He worked long days and nights on Portland's waterfront and assisted his father as a cobbler at the Shoe Hospital at Morrills Corner.
Dominic was stationed in Germany with the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was honorably discharged in 1953.
Dominic believed that he married the smartest and prettiest girl from Gorham’s Corner: Margaret Gertrude O'Brien - they began a family of seven daughters and two sons. The family moved to a large home on Read Street in 1964. Family gatherings soon filled this house with fond memories. Among the favorites was Sunday spaghetti dinner with Dominic’s mother and father (Nonor and Papa).
In addition to his parents, Dominic was predeceased by his most loving daughter Janet, his siblings Jenny Tabb, Mary Aceto (baby), Mary Williams, Frances Conley, Irene Aceto and Anthony Aceto, and several nieces and nephews.
He is survived by his wife of 70 years, his Irish Rose. Together they raised their nine children: Cathleen (Robert Reardon), Maureen (Thomas Peters), Janet (John Shannon) Marijo (Joseph Hamilton), Ann Marie (Kevin Rogers), Dominic Aceto, Anthony Aceto (Stacy Bolduc), Julie Aceto and Joleen (Richard Segal); 13 grandchildren: Jessica Shannon (Russ Boisvert), Christina Hamilton (Kevin Lee), Todd Shannon, Joseph Hamilton, Jonathan Hamilton, Jenna Segal (Joseph Flynn), Adriana Aceto (Noah Liebel), Kayla Segal (Adam Routhier), Brian Reardon, Joseph Dubail, Ella Dubail and Margaret and Emma Aceto; and 8 great grandchildren: Erik Boisvert, Leif Boisvert, Sophia Segal, Declan Lee, Cameron Lee, Nolan Segal, Donnie Hamilton and Maeve Routhier. Also surviving are siblings: Dana Pardue, Anna Flaherty, Theresa Joy, Gloria Stewart and Joseph Aceto.
Dominic wishes to be remembered for his devotion to his loving wife and family. The family would like to thank Dr. William Ross Wadland, MD, the Gosnell House and Northern Light Health for their care and compassion given to Dominic. Special thanks to Fred, Holly and Stacy of Northern Light Health for all of their support to Dominic and his family over the years. Services at this time will be private but a celebration of life service will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the care of Jones, Rich & Barnes Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, donations in the name of Dominic A. Aceto may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospitals, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or The Leukemia Research Foundation, 191 Waukegan Road, Suite 105, Northfield, IL 60093. Salute!
Memories
Dominic "Dickie" Anthony Aceto
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYSHIRLEY LEGROW
January 15, 2021
My mother, Marion "Anna" Aceto Wilmot was Dickie's first cousin. I have very fond memories of going to Read St. to see our wonderful family to visit and eat, & then eat more delicious Italian dishes! What a joy it was to take our shoes to the Shoe Hospital even after I married just to be able to see my great uncle and Dickie. I will never forget all the wonderful and fun times with my beautiful family.
My deepest sympathy and love to Dickie's family. Rest in Peace.
Shirley Wilmot LeGrow
Salisbury, NC
Kelly Joy
January 7, 2021
My deepest sympathies to all the family. So sorry for your loss. RIP uncle Dicky
Janet Flaherty
January 6, 2021
Our family is sorry to hear of the loss or your husband and father. We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
Holly Barnum
January 6, 2021
My heart goes out to the entire Aceto family. I have never heard of a closer, more loving, or supportive family. Your loss is unimaginable, Mr. Aceto's legacy unforgettable!
Eleanor Joy (Aceto)
January 6, 2021
My sincere condolences to Margaret, and all of the family .
I am sad to learn of Dickie’s passing. May he rest in eternal peace .
Eleanor Aceto
Kathi Zomorodian
January 5, 2021
Condolences and prayers for the family ❤️🙏. Love Kathi
Jon Fasulo
January 5, 2021
Dickie was a great guy with one of the best families I ever got to spend many years with. My thoughts and prayers to the whole family.
Terry Goodwin
January 5, 2021
Our deepest sympathy to you Margaret, and all your wonderful family. You are in our prayers. Terry & Barbara Goodwin
Bill Moses
January 4, 2021
Dear Julie, Tony and family,
What a great life lived by a wonderful man!!
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Bill Moses
Standish
William Aceto
January 4, 2021
I have tears in my eyes and in my heart. I am so sorry for the loss of Uncle Dickie. I have wonderful memories from my early childhood of the whole Aceto clan, especially Cathleen and Janet.
Our deepest sympathies to all. Love, Billy and Nancy Aceto
JEAN KERRIGAN
January 4, 2021
Since I was 5 yrs old, Mr. Aceto's daughter Cath & I were besties. He & Mrs. Aceto (I always call them Mr. & Mrs.!) always made me feel one of their large family. 60 years of memories. I'm relieved he i s now pain free and at peace. RIP Mr. Aceto.
~Jean
Cheryl Leeman
January 4, 2021
So sorry to read of Dominic's passing. My heartfelt condolences to the family for your loss.
Colleen Russo
December 30, 2020
When my Mother and I lived with Uncle Dickie and Aunt Margaret, he always asked me if I had enough to eat and was I was sure. Loved when he went the the old Port for the fresh catch as it was something I really looked forward to and appreciated. He always made me feel welcome and recall watching the Red Soxs
with him and cousins. Sincere condolences and prayers to you all. Colleen