Saugus DAV Commander DiMare passes at 89

Charles R. “Charlie” DiMare, Jr.

Saugus Veterans Council Commander Steve Castinetti said Korean War veteran Charles R. “Charlie” DiMare, Jr. was remarkable among local veterans for his outstanding attendance at veterans events.

  “Charlie was totally committed. And he was there for all of our events every year — and the guy wasn’t even from Saugus,” Castinetti said yesterday.

  “I tell you, Charlie didn’t miss a thing and he’s going to be missed by a lot of people,” Castinetti said.

   DiMare, the commander of The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Organization Chapter 115, a regional veterans group that holds its meeting out the American Legion Hall on Taylor Street, died Monday (July 5).  The U.S. Navy veteran, a Peabody resident, was 89.

  DiMare leaves his wife of 66 years, Carmella “Bella” (Albano) DiMare; two daughters, Charlene Costa and her husband, Stephen of Westford; and Christina DiMare Castagna and her husband, Ralph of Topsfield; and a son, Charles “Chip” DiMare, III and his wife, Bonnie of Peabody.

  Funeral services are set from the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., Medford, Monday, July 12th at 9 a.m. followed by a funeral mass celebrated in St. Adelaide Church, 708 Lowell St., Peabody at 10:30 a.m. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Visiting hours are Sunday 3 to 7 p.m. Services will conclude with entombment at Holy Cross Mausoleum, Malden.

  In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Charles’ name to the Disabled American Veterans, 44 Taylor St., Saugus, MA 01906.