Ercole Gennaro DiMatteo

Ercole Gennaro DiMatteo, 78, passed away on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. Born in Abruzzo, Pescara, Italy to Giustina Camplone and Armando DiMatteo, Ercole spent his early years in a close‑knit Italian community before proudly coming to the United States in 1961, at just 14 years old, alongside his family. That journey became a defining part of who he was—courageous, hardworking, and deeply devoted to building a better life.

Ercole was always the life of the party—fun, joking, and able to make anyone laugh. His warmth and humor filled every room he entered. He loved soccer with a passion, playing in his younger years and watching the sport faithfully throughout his life. He proudly rooted for his beloved Italian team, Juventus, cheering them on with the same enthusiasm he brought to everything he loved. He also had a deep affection for his dogs, who were constant companions and brought him tremendous comfort and joy throughout his life.

He was also a remarkably hard worker, known for his strong work ethic and determination. Whatever he set his mind to, he approached with dedication, pride, and a deep sense of responsibility—qualities that shaped his life and inspired everyone around him.

In 1970, Ercole was drafted into the United States Army and stationed at Fort McNair in Washington, D.C. Fluent in three languages, he served his two years of active duty as an interpreter for Spanish‑American personnel. He carried great pride in his service and in giving back to the country he had embraced as his own.

Ercole is survived by his wife, Kelly DiMatteo, and his former spouse, Gail McDonald Fidelman. He was a proud and loving father to Carezza DiMatteo Wolff (Bill Wolff), Maggie DiMatteo Salem (Abed Salem), Matthew DiMatteo (Mariana DiMatteo), and Marc DiMatteo (Kristin DiMatteo), each of whom brought him immense joy and pride.

One of his greatest blessings was being a grandfather. He leaves behind a large and cherished group of grandchildren: Kayla DiMatteo, Izabella Wolff, Mason Wolff, Nicholas DiMatteo, Leo DiMatteo, Jameel Salem, Leena Salem, Mia DiMatteo, Amir Salem, and Alejandro Menendez. His presence in their lives will be remembered with warmth, laughter, and love.

Ercole is also survived by his siblings—Gaetano DiMatteo (Sharon DiMatteo), Franca Paplauckas (Sam Paplauckas), Joe DiMatteo (Nilda DiMatteo), and Gennaro DiMatteo (Patricia DiMatteo)—and is preceded in death by his siblings Antonio DiMatteo (Maria DiMatteo) and Grazia DiMatteo. He is remembered fondly by many nieces and nephews who will miss his steady presence and the strong sense of family he helped build.

Services: Viewings will be held on Thursday, February 5, 2026, from 3–5 PM and 7–9 PM. A funeral service will take place on Friday, February 6, 2026, at 11 AM at Marzullo Funeral Home, 6009 Harford Rd, Baltimore, MD 21214. Interment will follow at Parkwood Cemetery, 3310 Taylor Ave, Baltimore, MD 21234.

Ercole’s life was defined by his devotion to family, his joyful spirit, and the unwavering work ethic he carried through every chapter of his life. His legacy lives on in the people he loved and the memories they will forever hold close.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ercole Gennaro DiMatteo, please visit our floral store.