Rod J. DeMeo

RODNEY J. “CHICO” DeMEO, 48, of New Philadelphia, died Monday morning, October 28, 2002, surrounded by his family in his parents home. He was born June 15, 1954 in Dover to Milo “SocK” and Patricia A. (Bertoline) DeMeo and graduated from New Philadelphia High School in 1973. Rod was a member of Sacred Heart Church in New Philadelphia and was a past exalted ruler of New Philadelphia Elks’ Lodge No. 510. He also served as an Elks’ trustee and officer for the Phidelk Corporation. In 1998, he went to work for the City of New Philadelphia where he was head mechanic. When not working, Rod enjoyed watching NASCAR events, golfing and fishing. He liked all kinds of music, especially the Beatles. Rod is survived by his parents, Milo “Sock” and Pat DeMeo of New Philadelphia; brother, Marc DeMeo of Santa Barbara, CA; aunts, Pauline (Dick) Davis of New Philadelphia, Mary Donna DeLuca of Canton and Michelle (Rockford) Smart of Dover; uncles, Terry (Debbie) Bertoline of Lompoc, CA and Ronald (Elsie) DeMeo of Mineral City; close friend and companion, Mel Dotts and her son, Chris, of Dover; numerous cousins and many good friends throughout his life and last illness. He was preceded in death by maternal grandparents, Ernest & Mary (Tylka) Bertoline and paternal grandparents, Michael & Geraldine (DeSerio) DeMeo. Calling hours will be Wednesday, October 30, 2002 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM, with the Elks’ Memorial Service at 5:30 PM, in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home. The funeral mass will be Thursday, October 31, 2002 at 10:30 AM in Sacred Heart Church with Msgr. George J. Schlegel officiating. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in New Philadelphia. After the committal, a meal will be shared in the Geib Family Center. Contributions honoring Rod’s life may be made to Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 201 W. Third St, Dover, OH 44622 or to Sacred Heart Church, 139 Third St., NE, New Philadelphlia, OH 44663.