In Loving Memory of
Marcello “Mooch” DiMartino
May 17, 1961 ~ September 2, 2025
Obituary of Marcello “Mooch” DiMartino
It is with a heavy heart that I announce the death of my dear father, Marcello “Mooch” DiMartino. He was predeceased by his parents Benito and Felina (nee Barbaro), and brother Frank. Mooch is survived by his son Ben and brothers Vito (Debbie) and Sam. He will be missed by zia Giuseppina Grimolizzi, zio Pietro and zia Lucia Leone, nephews Tom (Cynthia), Edward, Matt (Olivia), as well as nieces Jennifer (Casey) and Lesley (Matt), many cousins and lifelong friends.Born in Niagara Falls, my father spent most of his youth at the family home on Hillsdale Ave. The 1960's neighbourhood mix of vibrant, curious children filled with high energy and laughter were key ingredients for Mooch to make lifelong friendships and hone one of his notable attributes, namely, the production of hijinks. Youngest of four boys, he was known as the king of mischief. Much of his recreational time was spent tormenting his mother and the neighbours by fearlessly responding to all challenges and dares. A proud Stamford CVI alumnus, he was recognized for his outstanding football, basketball and baseball talent. Fiercely competitive, football was his go-to sport. During these high school years, independent football officials voted Mooch best overall player in Niagara Falls.
Upon graduation, he made his way to Grande Prairie, Alberta, to join other adventurous classmates in pursuit of their own meaning of life. After working in the lumber industry for several years, he returned to his hometown with bride Melonie and son Ben. Once settled, he became involved in local sports leagues as a player and coach for various baseball, football and basketball organizations. A founding member of the Niagara Falls Minor Football League; he was a dedicated coach and mentor to many young boys who still carry fond memories of his ardent team philosophy and training strategies. Aware of the opportunities he was offered in his youth, he regularly gave back to his community, often involving himself with fundraising efforts for those who were sick, injured or disadvantaged.
Mooch loved family, friends, sports and music. In particular, the music of “The Boss” Bruce Springsteen, gave him endless enjoyment and comfort over the years. Among his favourite tunes was “Glory Days”.
The legacy of Mooch is one of family loyalty, above all else. My father will be remembered for his simple, unselfish lifestyle. He was always the first to offer food, clothing, cash and gifts to those in need. During many Christmas Eve dinners at Nonni’s house, Mooch would show up with a stranger or a friend who had no other family, to enjoy food and company.
Our family would like to thank the tireless commitment of Mooch’s caregivers including Dr. David Rosa, The Brock Wing of the GNGH and in particular, Dr Collins, Nurse Practitioner Elaine and staff of the Woolcott Wing at the Welland Hospital. We are appreciative of the care and compassion you have offered to Mooch during his last days.
Cremation has taken place. A funeral Mass will be held on September 20, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Denis Roman Catholic Church, 230 Lake Street, St. Catharines. A celebration of life in the church hall will immediately follow the Mass. Online condolences may be shared on Mooch’s tribute page found at EssentialsNiagara.com.
Service Information
Funeral Mass
Date: September 20, 2025Start Time: 11:00 am
End Time: 12:00 pm
Venue: St. Denis Roman Catholic Church, 230 Lake Street, St. Catharines
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A Celebration of Life
Date: September 20, 2025Start Time: 12:00 pm
End Time:
Venue: St. Denis Roman Catholic Church Hall, 230 Lake Street, St. Catharines
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My heart goes out to Ben and all family and friends. I met Mooch while working at Canfor in Grande Prairie and we’d kept in touch through all these years. We would get together when I would get out to Oakville to visit my parents. Mooch would bring Mel and Ben over for swims in the pool or we’d go visit them in Niagra. We have great pictures and many fond memories of our times together. RIP my dear friend. Love you!
Glad to call Mooch a friend. He always spoke about other”s talents before his own. RIP Mooch.
It is with deep sorrow to here that Mooch has passed away. He will be deeply missed for his acts of kindness and moral support. My condolences goes out to the DiMartino family.
Some of his “Glory Days”
I am so very sorry to read/hear of Mooch’s passing…he was such a great guy and will be missed…my heartfelt condolences to all. Rest easy my friend 🙏
To the DiMartino family
Please accept my condolences on the recent passing of Marcello. I first met Marcello , or Mooch , in Grade 7 at Princess Margaret School. Marcello quickly established himself as an excellent athlete as well as a very popular student. Further , Marcello was a very friendly and decent guy. I think he would be described as a real , good guy. I attended Stamford
Chi along with Mooch. He never changed as a person.
Throughout my adult life I ran into
Mooch numerous times throughout life. I observed that Mooch Never Changed and was still as real good guy.
My Prayer is the Marcello had a Peaceful death and may he Rest in Peace.
Grahame Abbott
Sam and Vito and families. We are so saddened to hear you have lost your youngest sibling Mooch. We recall you both talking about him over the years and sharing stories of your childhood. He certainly was loved and respected by those who knew him. Sending our love and condolences to everyone.
Vonda and Ken Gemuend
Goodbye Mooch. I’m going to miss your kindness and generosity. You will always be remembered by me for being so kind and caring. May God be with you my friend forever.
Four bros
Frankie Mooch and Sam
A great memory of our baby bro and son Ben.
We, the members of the Carnevale families, with sadness, wish to convey our deepest sympathy to the DiMartino families.Having lived next door to the DiMartinos on Hillsdale Ave. for many years, the families fosterd a deep bond. In fact, our parents were chosen as God parents to Marcello. We can recall, with fondness, many Sunday picnics and outings at Queenston. Those were special events when we were all together and will remain with us forever.
Rest in Peace, Marcello.
Sam, Vito Ben and DiMartino family Thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Ben a very heartfelt honour to your father. Always enjoyed mooch’s company and memories. He will be missed
To the DiMartino Family. My sincere condolences and my thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Deepest condolences go out to the entire DiMartino family on the passing of an amazing person. Got to know Marcello quite well facing him on opposing ends of the gridiron or basketball court. Always had great respect for him as an athlete and as a person. Enjoyed many nights in his company at the Firefighters Club sharing stories. Thru the years I always enjoyed bumping into him and reminiscing about the good old days.
Please know that your loss is shared by all who knew him. May your many happy family memories get you thru this difficult time.
God Bless you brother.
Rest in peace my friend.
Fred Audibert
My sincere condolences to you Ben and the family, a man I had the pleasure of coaching beside whose only concern was of the young men he taught and always put first. A good man who sadly left us much to early.
Our deepest sympathy to Ben and DiMartino families. Mooch was so kind and loving and always smiling. Always spoke highly of his Mom and family. A true kind soul. Rest in peace.
Wow what a shock, Been friends with Mooch since I was six. He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered
So sad to read of my good fiend Marcellos passing . To his boys and all his families my sincere deepest condolences. Marcello was as kind and generous as any human being could be . My dear friend , you will be missed.
Our deepest sympathy to the family. Many, many wonderful fun memories.
My condolences Ben to you and your family. Rest in peace Mooch my friend.
Dear Vito, Sam, Ben and Family,
We were saddened to hear of Marcello’s passing. We bumped into him a few years ago and it was like no time had passed. I will always remember the fun times I had with the Hillsdale gang. With deepest sympathy.
Mooch, you will be missed. You will always be loved.
Dear Vito, Sam, Ben and family members..so very sorry to hear of Marcello’s passing. Growing up having lived next door to the Dimartino boys was always an adventure. Great memories that will never be forgotten.
RIP Mooch…you will be missed by many
A great guy! Part of the Stamford Ratpack. My condolences to all who love and will miss him. I know I will always remember Marcello with the fondest memories.
RIP Mooch. My condolences to the family. The Smith family lived on Leonard Ave., near Hillsdale. I remember Mooch well, and ran into him here and there as we got older. He always had a smile on his face with great spirits. He will be missed.
My Condolences to Mooches family. I have fond memories of him when we attended SCVI as well as his brothers who were friends of my brothers. Our sincere condolences may his many memories bring peace to your family.
To the DiMartino family. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you May your memories bring you comfort and peace. Sincerely Fred and Jo-Ann Sacco
Ben and Family, my deepest Condolences on the passing of Mooch. As hard as it may be Ben, i hope you find some solace and peace at the outpouring of love and care in all the condolences
We’re all truly lucky to have known Mooch and to have shared time with such an incredible person.
When a loved one becomes a memory……that memory becomes a treasure. Sending a hug with love and sympathy….May in rest in peace my beautiful friend
Deepest condolences Ben and family! What a beautiful tribute to Mooch! The Grande Prairie newspaper would report “…some guy named Mooch scored 25 points in men’s basketball league last night”
He was kind hearted, funny, and a loyal friend. He had us all singing “Glory Days”.
Our most sincere condolences to Ben, Sam and Vito. We will always remember Mooch and all the memories we hold dear. Rest in peace my friend, rest in peace.
Our deepest condolences to the Dimartino family in this very difficult time. From the Salvatore family from Prospect street.
always a good driend-he will be missed
In Loving Memory of a Wonderful Cousin
So sorry for your loss Ben
It’s hard to find the words to express the sadness we feel at the loss of someone so special. You weren’t just our cousin — you were a true friend, a kind soul with a heart of gold. You were always there when someone needed a listening ear, a helping hand, or a little extra love.
You had a way of making people feel seen, heard, and cared for. Your kindness, your laughter, and your gentle spirit left a mark on everyone who was lucky enough to know you.
We’ll miss your smile, your encouragement, and the warmth you brought into every room. The world feels a little less bright without you in it , but your love and light will live on in all of us who were blessed to be part of your life.
Rest peacefully, dear cousin. You will never be forgotten.
Cousins Mario, Olga John, James
So very sorry for your loss Ben.
We had wonderful mememories growing up in the same neighborhood. Everyone could always count on him.
May he rest in peace my childhood friend.
So sorry to hear this news …. Mooch was one of the good ones . We went to Stamford together and became good friends . I’ll tell ya .. he was and amazing running back . All you could see from the sidelines was that white helmet of his breaking threw the line . I’d say , ” There goes Mooch ” We also played ball together for Hogan’s Roadhouse and he was a hell of a ball player too but what I loved about him was that no matter where I seen him , he ALWAYS made his way over to come say hello and ” shoot the sh*t ” about how things were going – great guy ! My Condolences to you Ben and the rest of his family and friends too . RIP Mooch , we’ll shoot the sh*t again one day !
We were the curious kids of Frederica and Hillsdale Ave. Mancuso Degiuli DiAuto and DiMartino kids
Love you pal. My siblings and I will miss you and may you rest in eternal peace 🙏
Marcello, my long time friend and Best Man – You will be sadly missed. My condolences to son Ben, and brothers Sam, Vito and families. Enzo Albanese
Life is just a blink of an eye in the age of the world but I’m happy we shared this blink my friend for it was a blast we’re all just passing through life to see what’s on the other side
Catch you on the other side
Such a nice guy.. When I think of Mooch? The first two things that come to mind are Laughs, and Sports talk. Such a friendly guy. I haven’t seen him in many years but his name does come up because he was such a great guy. I’m so very sorry to his family and friends. RIP Mooch!! Great being friends with you at Stamford buddy
My condolences to the DiMartino family. I got to know Mooch through basketball at SCVI. I remember Marcello for his ease of ability to share and give to others even if they were complete strangers. During those years everyone knew Mooch. He was a good fun guy! May his spirit continue to live on and help others
May God bless Mooch a great man who was kind to all. Sorry for your loss Ben, Vito and Sam
I will always remember the many times we went out for dinner with Mooch. I loved playing Basketball and Baseball with him. He was a great friend and loved his Lord & Saviour Jesus Christ. He is at Peace now with no pain. Our Condolences to Ben and the whole DiMartino family – we Love ❤️ You All !! Dan & Jamie