Gino Dimarzio

Gino DiMarzio (84), of Cheyenne, Wyoming, loving husband, dad, nonno, brother, and friend passed away on August 2, 2023, surrounded by his family.
Gino was born on May 23, 1939, in Pacentro, Italy to Pasquale and Cecilia DiMarzio. In 1951, Gino immigrated with his parents and siblings to Monaca, Pennsylvania. As a 12-year-old who spoke no English, he was placed in a 2nd grade classroom on his first day of school. By the end of the day, due to his great math skills, he was advanced to 6th grade. Gino graduated from Monaca High School in 1958. Upon graduation he entered trade school and received an Associate degree in HVAC Repair. In 1961 he enlisted with the U.S. Air Force.
Gino married his wife of 58 years, Marisa Mancini, on May 15, 1965. They have known each other all their lives as they grew up together in Pacentro, Italy. While Gino’s family went to America after WW2, Marisa’s family emigrated to Buenos Aires, Argentina in 1950. Marisa corresponded with Gino’s sister, Maria, regularly. In one letter, Marisa told Maria that she was returning to Italy as she had grown tired of Argentina. Maria convinced Marisa to visit Pennsylvania first. In 1964, Gino was reunited with his childhood friend, and he was smitten! Marisa stayed in Pennsylvania, and they were married a year later. Gino’s military career relocated the family to numerous cities including Sioux City, IA, Rome, NY, Columbus, OH, San Antonio, TX and Cheyenne, WY. Gino also spent one year at Johnston Island AFB in the Pacific in 1968-69.
After 23 years in the service, Gino retired from the military as a senior master sergeant in 1983. With his wife Marisa, her brother Roberto Mancini, and his wife Lucia, he opened Avanti Italian Restaurant. It soon became a family affair bringing in his mother-in-law, Bambina, his sister-in-law Liliana, and all their children. They served their community their homemade recipes for 30 years. The family also opened Dell Range Liquor Store in 2001. The store was like a second home to Gino. He loved working at the Liquor Store, especially discovering new wines and interacting with his customers. As a small business owner, Gino worked long hours every day, often being at the store from 8 am to 10pm. For health reasons, Gino retired from the liquor store in 2021 and the business was sold in 2023.
Gino is survived by his wife Marisa, three children, and six grandchildren: Sandra Shappell of Fort Collins, Colorado; David DiMarzio (Jennifer) of Draper, Utah; and Linda DiMarzio (Christian) of Fort Collins, Colorado. Their grandchildren, respectively, are Sofia, Alexandre, and Olivia Shappell; Blaise and Avabelle DiMarzio; and Adam Fogstad He is also survived by his sister Maria (Antonio) Pelino, and his brother Guido (Mary) DiMarzio, and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Gino was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter, Pamela, his brother Teodoro, and his sister Anna.
Gino served as an example of to how live with faith, perseverance, and dignity through to his final breath. Gino was a man of faith who prayed the rosary daily. He is already dearly missed by those he left behind, but that immense grief reflects who he was. To quote, Matthew 25:23, “his master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant!” Gino’s life embodied that teaching, and he lives on through those who loved him and learned from him.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Mary’s Catholic School or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Visitation will be Saturday, 10-3, and Monday, 10-6, at Wiederspahn-Radomsky Chapel.
Vigil for the deceased will be Monday August 7th, at 6:00 PM at Weidersphan-Rodomsky Chapel. Funeral Liturgy will be Tuesday, August 8th at 10:00 AM at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Cheyenne. Burial will follow at Olivet Cemetery.
The family will host a reception and lunch from 12:30 to 2:30 at Mother Cabrini Hall at Holy Trinity Catholic Church.