SOUTHWICK – Dino Louis Mottarella, 93, (1924-2017) died December 30, 2017 at the Soldier’s Home in Holyoke. Born in Lee, Massachusetts on January 9, 1924 he was the son of the late Louis and Lina (Ruffoni) Mottarella.
Dino was the devoted husband of 48 years to the late Etiennette “Ety” (Paoli) Mottarella, whom he met while stationed in France during World War II. They married on December 1, 1945, in Fos-Sur-Mer, France. He was also predeceased by his sister, Elia Viggiano. Both “Ety” and Elia passed away in 1993. Dino was a proud veteran of the United States Army and served during World War II in the 749 Tank Battalion seeing active duty in Scotland, England, France, Belgium and Germany. His time in the military led to many 749 reunions around the United States over the past 50 years. Dino was wounded in battle, earning him a Purple Heart, one of the eight medals awarded him. He was one of the last surviving members of C Company. Dino was a member of the Veterans of Foreign War. He worked as a carpenter and electrician for 40 years for Calgi Construction of New Rochelle, NY where he lived for most of his life. Upon retirement he moved to Westfield in 1990 and to Southwick in 2007. Dino loved to do puzzles which he would frame; they are on display at the Soldier’s Home.
He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Helene and Michael Renaldo of Southwick; his son and daughter-in-law, George and Margaret Mottarella of Harrison, NY; four cherished grandchildren, Cindy Mapel, Jason Renaldo, Melissa Lewit, Jeff Mottarella; eight great grandchildren; nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Friends and family are encouraged to attend a gathering in his remembrance from 3:00PM – 6:00PM on Thursday January 4, 2018 in the Southwick Forastiere Family Funeral Home, 624 College Highway (Highway 10/202), Southwick, MA.
His funeral ceremony will begin at 9:45 AM, on Friday January 5, 2018 from the funeral home with a 11:00 AM Liturgy of Christian Burial, celebrated in Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Church, 127 Holyoke Road, Westfield. Rites of committal and Military Honors will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, 203 Southampton Road, Westfield.
The family would like to thank the staff of the Soldier’s Home and in lieu of flowers would like contributions to be made to the Friends of the Soldier’s Home in Holyoke, P.O. Box 1338, Holyoke, MA 01040 . www.forastiere.com
