Lebanon County PA Archives Obituaries.....DiMatteo, Robert B. May 5, 2012
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  Published in Lebanon Daily News from May 8 to May 9, 2012
  Robert B. DiMatteo 
  
  PALMYRA Robert Bernardo DiMatteo, business and community leader, and the 
  unofficial Ambassador of Palmyra passed away peacefully on May 5, 2012. His 
  unbridled optimism was embodied in his daily signature greeting, "It's a 
  beautiful day in Palmyra!" A forward thinking entrepreneur, he co-founded ASK 
  Foods, Inc. in 1948 with his father-in-law, Abraham Shelley Kettering and 
  helped develop it into a significant regional food manufacturer. He was the 
  15th recipient of the Lebanon Valley Small Business Person of the Year Award. 
  Bob's unwavering commitment to manufacture natural, preservative free products 
  proved to be visionary and positioned ASK for future success. Retired since 
  2000, "Mr. D.", as he is affectionately known, remained a spirit of good will 
  to ASK employees and an inspiration, mentor and dear friend to his daughter 
  Wendie DiMatteo Holsinger, ASK's current owner and CEO. Bob was equally 
  passionate about serving his church and surrounding community. He was one of 
  the founding dreamers who pushed for the establishment of the Lebanon Valley 
  Brethren Home, where he faithfully served as its Chairman of the Board for 
  over 30 years. He championed the establishment of the Good Samaritan Fund, a 
  benevolent resident care resource. Bob also brought his enthusiasm to the 
  Lebanon County Redevelopment Authority where he served on its Board since 
  1981. Under his persistent leadership as President from 1977-2011, the 
  Interfaith Housing Council built a thriving100 unit low income housing 
  development in Palmyra. Bob was also a great proponent of economic 
  development, serving on the Lebanon Valley Economic Development Board of 
  Directors for many years. Bob loved bringing people together to find creative 
  ways to solve problems. He often commented that he felt truly lucky to be able 
  to give back to the community. He has been a member of Palmyra's Rotary Club 
  since the 1950's serving as its youngest President. Always a fierce advocate 
  for youth, he was a strong supporter for the Phoenix Youth Center, and founder 
  and President of the Palmyra Area Education Foundation. As the first President 
  of the Palmyra Public Library, he pushed forward a drive to computerize the 
  library. In later years, the Caring Cupboard Food Bank was dear to his heart. 
  In 2003, Bob felt honored to receive the distinguished Jefferson Award for 
  outstanding public service. An active church member of the Palmyra Church of 
  the Brethren, he and his wife, Lennie served as life time Deacons. Believing 
  in the power of cooperative faith, he was the first lay President of the 
  Palmyra Area Cooperating Churches. Born March 6, 1918, in Boston, the son of 
  Italian immigrants and brother to four siblings who are predeceased. His love 
  affair with Palmyra began during WWII at Indiantown Gap, courtesy of the U.S. 
  Army when he met the love of his life, Palmyra resident Athalene Kettering. He 
  cherished his 66 year marriage to Lennie, his best friend and anchor. "I owe 
  95% of what I am to her." Above all, he valued family and was a proud and 
  dedicated father to three children, Robert Jr, Joel Alan and Wendie Jo. He was 
  a hands on grandfather who didn't miss an opportunity to support and mentor 
  his four grandchildren. Besides being a model for joyful living, Bob played a 
  mean game of ping-pong and Frisbee and made sure his grandchildren could carry 
  that torch. He leaves behind a legacy of love, service and eternal optimism. 
  As Bob would say, "Bless be the Tie that Binds". He is survived by his loving 
  wife, Athalene "Lennie" (Kettering) DiMatteo; loving daughter, Wendie DiMatteo 
  Holsinger and husband Steven J. of Lancaster; two daughters-in-law, Marianne 
  DiMatteo of Harrisburg, and Rebecca Casstevens of Binghamton, N.Y.; four 
  grandchildren, Christopher Holsinger of Lancaster, Adrienne DiMatteo of New 
  York City, N.Y., Julian DiMatteo and Jason DiMatteo, both of Brooklyn, N.Y. He 
  was predeceased by two sons, Robert B. DiMatteo, Jr. in 1991 and Joel A. 
  DiMatteo in 1985; three brothers, Gerardo, Orlando, and Gennato DiMatteo; and 
  one sister, Yolonda McKenna. Family and friends are invited for visitation on 
  Thursday from 3 to 5 p.m. at Lebanon Valley Brethren Home, DiMatteo Worship 
  Center, 1200 Grubb Road, Palmyra, PA 17078 and from 6 to 9 p.m. at Rothermel 
  Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 25 W. Pine St., Palmyra. A memorial 
  service will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. at Palmyra Church of The Brethren, 45 
  N. Chestnut St., Palmyra, with the Rev. Dennis M. Lohr officiating. Private 
  burial will take place in Spring Creek Cemetery, Hershey.
   
  Published in Lebanon Daily News from May 8 to May 9, 2012 
   
  
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