Vincent DiMare

Vincent DiMare died peacefully on Sunday, March 10, 2024 surrounded by his wife of 70 years, Mary Eleanor, and family at Riverside Cottages. Vincent was born in Augusta, Sicily Italy, June 16, 1929. He was the youngest of ten children. He started working in the shipyards at age 7, handing tools to carpenters. Growing up in Sicily during World War II, he had memories of German sailors in Augusta’s port singing songs at night. Later his family had to flee to the caves in the mountains outside Augusta for safety during the bombing of the port. Vincent caught typhoid fever during this time and miraculously survived. He came to America when he was 19, working initially at shipyards in Boston and then coming to St. Augustine and working for DESCO Marine. He was a gifted carpenter and boatwright during the height of St. Augustine’s shrimp boat building industry. In 1977, he went to work for St. Augustine Trawlers. He eventually joined DiMare Construction in 1982. He donated his skills and time to build several churches around St. Augustine. He was a faithful member of Heritage Baptist Church and helped build their current facility on Wildwood Drive. Vincent loved people and always had a quick smile and a good sense of humor. He loved to tell a good joke but would often start laughing before he got to the punch line. He was an avid fisherman and loved being on the water. He enjoyed raising animals and was generous to share eggs with friends and family. Playing card games with friends and family was a frequent pastime. Vincent and Eleanor often hosted dinners for their church and large extended family. They were excellent cooks specializing in both Italian and Southern cuisine. Vincent is survived by his wife, Mary Eleanor DiMare; children: Frank DiMare (Helen), Maria Davis, Tammy DiMare Palmer (Mike); grandchildren: Stephen DiMare (Mia), Frances Dailey (Spencer), Maria DiMare, David DiMare, Jacob Palmer, Sierra Palmer, Sara Davis, Anna Davis and Julia Davis; great-grandchildren: Isla DiMare, Latimer DiMare and Elizabeth Dailey. He was predeceased by his oldest daughter, Melina Gail DiMare. A celebration of life and memorial service will be held at Heritage Baptist Church on Thursday, March 21, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. Donations may be made in the name of Vincent DiMare to Heritage Baptist Church, 1480 Wildwood Drive, St. Augustine, FL. 32086 hbcstaugustine.org St. Johns Family Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements.

Vincent DiMare

June 16, 1929 - March 10, 2024