Joseph (Giuseppe) Di Mare

Joseph (Giuseppe) Di Mare, a resident of Indialantic, Florida, passed away on September 24, 2026, at the age of 99. A proud Korean War veteran, Joseph served in the United States Army and attained the rank of Sergeant First Class. Joseph is lovingly remembered by his wife of 71 years, Nazzarena (Nancy); their children Adele (Dominic), Andrea (Louis) and Nancy (Jose); grandchildren Anthony (Caitlin), Nicholas (Bryanne), Melissa (Rafael), Joseph, Matthew and Madeline; great-grandchildren Alexander and Sofia; and his brother, Paul. He was predeceased by his parents, Domenico and Adelina Di Mare, and his sisters, Ianina and Sarafina (and his beloved children, Mark and Joanna).

Joseph was born in Augusta, Sicily, in 1927 and came to America shortly after WW II ended. He arrived in New York to reunite with his father, who had left Italy to build a better life for his family. There, fate brought Joseph and Nazzarena together when they both missed the NYC Ferry they were supposed to board. Shortly after meeting, Joseph was drafted into the United States Army and served two years during the Korean War. He married his love once he returned.

Years later, Joseph owned a jewelry store and a small post office in New Jersey. He moved his family to Florida in the mid-70s. In the 80s, he opened a successful sandwich shop called Hoagie Stop. After selling the business, he went on to work at Publix for several years, where his co-workers affectionately called him “Papa Joe.” Joseph loved airplanes, drawing, painting, gardening and fishing. Although he couldn't finish school because of WW II, he was a walking history encyclopedia. He also enjoyed the simple pleasures in life: pistachios, figs, chicken wings and, of course, a good glass of wine. A devoted Catholic and member of the Knights of Columbus, Joseph cherished his faith and family above all else. He was happiest surrounded by those closest to him and had a way of making everyone he met feel like family. He had an infectious smile and loved to laugh. Some of his famous lines were “Do not despair” and “Play it cool.”

A viewing will be held at Holy Name of Jesus, 3050 N Hwy A1A Indialantic, FL on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, from 10:30 am until the time of the Catholic Mass at 11:00 am. He will be laid to rest at the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery in Mims, FL on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at 1:30 pm. If attending the graveside service at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery please arrive no later than 1:15 pm in Lane C.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution may be made in honor of Joseph Di Mare to the Wounded Warrior Project.