Published January 11, 2019

MELROSE — Dennis DiMeo was born in Melrose-Wakefield Hospital on September 10, 1959. He grew up on Vinton St. and was the seventh child of a family of nine children. Dennis attended St. Mary’s School and Melrose High School and spent much of his youth, like most of his peers, hanging out Gooch Park, The City Hall Wall and all the other various teen hangouts that the Melrose Baby Boomers use to haunt.

Dennis joined the Navy at a young age and traveled the world and continued to do so even after exiting the service. He spent time exploring various trades, living for a while in Kentucky before settling back home in his native town of Melrose. It was there he started apprenticing for his older brother Kenny as a screen printer and grew to love and excel at this trade earning him his nickname “The Print Monsta” aptly given to him by his lifelong friend Brian. After many years of working the trade, he finally went to work for himself until he retired from printing.

He had a brief but amicable marriage to his wife Maureen. 

He then started a whole new career as a plumber’s apprentice working for his childhood friend Paul and son, and alongside his nephew C.J. The blending of these two families who worked and lived so close to each other gave birth to a close-knit old school neighborhood dynamic that revolved around family, friendship, bridge clubs and Dennis’ infamous Sunday BBQs.

His passion and skill for the game of bridge was only eclipsed by his love for the barbeque. Every Sunday, regardless of weather or his medical diagnosis, Dennis could be found out behind his apartment building stoking the coals and wood for his grills and smokers. The neighbors and friends would gather around and enjoy the days reminiscent of his youth. These weekly get-togethers along with his daily visits to his childhood home wherein his sister Wendy resides with her family, forged an amazing closeness to her and her children Craig, David and Thomas, his Davis kids Jen, Laura, Michelle, Scott and all their friends, spouses and loved ones.

He kept in touch with his other siblings Maria, Claire, Mark, Kenny, Laura and Annette with daily calls, texts and social media. His love for traveling was satisfied with his most recent trip to Texas to spend time with his brother Kenny and wife Olga and also sisters Laura and Annette. A trip to last him a lifetime.

A brilliant man who could have been anything, chose to enjoy the simpler things in life, a day out on a boat, a good Si- Fi movie or book, an early evening on the deck. He loved music, attended many concerts of the greats – Queen, Bowie, The Sex Pistols and Iggy Pop to name a few. It was the simple moments with all these things and the family and friends he loved so much that he valued as priceless. In the late hour of January 4, 2019 with clear eyes and an open heart he set himself free, honoring his own final wish to go home.

An animal lover who is now home, he has joined his loving parents, brother David, partner in crime Sam, beloved cats Skully and Mr. Bones, and his “nephew” dog Zeus.

He leaves behind his fat boy cat Boots and his family and friends who miss him so dearly.

Visiting hours were held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St. Melrose on Tuesday, January 8, followed by a Celebration of Life. Relatives and friends were respectfully invited to attend. Interment will be private. To send a message of condolence please visit www.gatelyfh.com