Domenico F. Odorico

Domenico Francesco Odorico tragically passed away on Thursday, July 31, 2008, after a short but courageous battle with Leukemia. He was 76 years old.

Domenico was born in the town of Sequals, Italy, in the Alpine region of Friuli. The oldest of seven children, he was the first son of Orfeo and Armelina Odorico, born on December 17th, 1931.

After surviving WWII as a child in Italy, Domenico went to the Scuola Professionale Musaicisti Del Friuli to study the Mosaic trade in the nearby town of Spilimbergo. At 17, he ventured abroad to further his mastery of the art of Mosaics through the school.

He traveled to Austria as lead artisan for the creation and installation of several murals for the church. Leaving Austria, Domenico then worked for 7 years in Copenhagen, Denmark. There he worked for his grandfather, Vincenzo Odorico, in a company that installed mosaic, tile, granite and terrazzo. The Odorico name is known for it’s artistry in this trade with a legacy of over 260 years. His work included installations in many government buildings, including the Danish Parliament and the King’s Palace.

In 1956, at the age of 24, Domenico eagerly left Europe to take on a tremendous opportunity across the Atlantic Ocean to Quebec, Canada. While in Quebec, he worked on spectacular projects including the Saint Anne De Beaupre Cathedral; creating masterful works of Mosaic Art. He also continued his education and graduated with a degree as a Master Mosaicist from L’Institut De Dessin Technique, Inc. in Quebec in 1957.

In 1957, Domenico also met the love of his life, Jeanne-Mance Pichette “Kuki”, while living in Quebec. She was a Supervisor at Bell of Canada at the time they met. They had a brief courtship and engagement, then married on August 7, 1958.

On their honeymoon, they chose to tour the east coast of the United States. As part of their trip, they decided to stop and visit dear friends from Sequals, who lived in the Philadelphia suburb of Secane. They loved the area so much, they decided to make their life in the area. They moved from Quebec to Philadelphia, accepting an offer from a friend, Domemico Trevisan, to work as a master installer for his company, Atlas Tile and Terrazzo. They lived in 2 different apartments in West Philadelphia, the latter being located at 65th and Callowhill, where they lived for several years.

In 1962, they welcomed the birth of their first son, Rinaldo. This happened shortly after Domenico opened his own business installing ceramic tile and natural stone. In January, 1966, his second son, Renato, was born.

In 1967, Domenico and Jeanne-Mance moved to the suburb of Havertown in Delaware County. He built the house where he was to live the next 41 years, on one acre lot of rolling hills. Completing most of the construction on his own, Domenico had to work nights and weekends while he focused his efforts during the week on his newly founded business. The house and property are architected as if it was carved out of the Alpine region of Friuli, Italy.

Domenico and Jeanne-Mance raised their family in traditional Italian and French culture. They enjoyed hosting many gatherings on the weekends with their friends where they would feast on authentic Italian and French cuisine. Playing games of bocce in the afternoon on the regulation sand court in the backyard and the ensuing lively Italian card games that always followed were also part of their special tradition.

Domenico was also a valued citizen in the local community. He spent many years as member of various groups, including the Sons of Italy, the Optimist Club of Havertown and the Knights of Columbus. He was also a longtime member of the Shadyside Sportsmans Conservation League. Domenico was an avid hunter and enjoyed fishing, gardening in his backyard and birdwatching.

Domenico was a wonderfully charismatic man with a bright soul and an inner strength that will be dearly missed. He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Jeanne-Mance; his two sons, Rinaldo and Renato; his two daughters-in-law, Elaine and Karen and his three grandchildren, Dante, Valerie and Andre. He is also survived by his six siblings, Cesira, Elvira, Giovanna, Elena, Vincenzo and Enrico.

My Father……..My King

When I was just a boy, you were my King,
And I was a prince who loved to dream
Of all the great things that life could bring.
I learned so much from you Dad, it was easy it seemed.
Life was wonderful as your little prince.
Living happily under my king’s defense.

You did not need to spoil me with gold, treasures or jewels.
You gave me much more; love, honor and rules.
You made the most of the hand in life you were dealt.
Dad, you were my perfect mentor, my hero, I felt.
Each and every day I tried to act like my King,
Trying to find a way to wake up every day and sing.

Now I may be older and a little more mature,
I live in a different castle, and life is unsure.
Still I had comfort that you were still there.
As you watched over us with so much love and care.
I know you felt tired, but your reign was not done.
You still were needed to rule for many more years to come.

But then you had to fight the greatest battle of your life.
A grave illness had found you and gave you much strife.
You fought with such courage, but the odds were against you.
So the Lord reached down and came to your rescue.
He needed an angel with your courage, strength and love.
So he took you, my King, and lifted you above.

Now I know you are worried, but please don’t despair.
Know that your beautiful Queen will be under our care.
We will continue your legacy, your kingdom reigns on.
Rest with peace, my brave King, your work is now done.

Love,
Renato

Visitation Information

Date: Friday, August 8, 2008

D’Anjolell Memorial Home of Broomall

Address:

2811 West Chester Pike Broomall, PA 19008  

610-356-4200

Service Information

D’Anjolell Memorial Home of Broomall

Address:

2811 West Chester Pike Broomall, PA 19008  

610-356-4200

Date: Saturday, August 9, 2008

St. Pius X

Address:

220 Lawrence Road Broomall, PA 19008  

Cemetery Information

Date: Saturday, August 9, 2008

Sts. Peter & Paul

Address:

1600 S. Sproul Road Springfield, PA 19064