POPS & MIMI

THEODORA (DORA) DilEO 

OBITUARY

 Theodora "Dora" Dileo, age 92, passed away into the arms of the lord and entered her heavenly home on June 15,2013. She was born Theodora Julia Scuro on July 13, 1920 in Utica, New York, daughter of Italian immigrant parents Antonio and Lucia (Romeo) Scuro. Dora was the oldest of five children living in Utica in a predominantly Italian neighborhood and in a humble household. She grew up in a God-fearing and God-loving home. With many relatives around, there was always plenty of company, cooking, and Italian food to enjoy. As a child, she loved reading, music, art, drawing, singing, and playing cards and games. She remembered the presence of music and her parents singing Italian operas around the house. Dora went to school up to the 8th grade and business continuation school for two more years following. Her first job was as a 16 year old for 8 cents per hour. But then she got a big raise to 20 cents per hour as a window decorator at "The Ritz", a dress store, displaying her creative and artistic talents. She also worked at General Electric in electronics as a utility girl on an assembly line. Dora married Joe Dileo on June 3, 1944. On Sept. 3D, 1951, when their daughter Sandy was 6 years old, they, along with Joe's sister and husband Rose and Art Battaglia, moved to California in search of better job opportunities. They settled and lived in Monrovia, California for 36 years. She worked briefly in electronics. Dora loved family and their company and was always ready to serve and give with kindness, generosity, love, great hospitality and a sense of humor. She was a superb cook. Everyone was welcome and there was always enough food to share. She was an avid reader. Her talents extended into many avenues: Sewing, knitting, crocheting, and crafts. Her artistic talents were highlighted by her beautiful landscape and seascape oil paintings. She was a recognized artist; while living in Monrovia she had numerous art shows and sold many of her beautiful works. Dora and Joe moved to Apple Valley, California to be close to their daughter Sandy, her husband Joe, and their three grandchildren, Paul, Rebecca, and John. They occupied their new home on Sept 30,1987. She was active with Apple Valley Senior Citizens Club,