Irene M. O’Neill Dardano of Melbourne Beach, Florida passed away at the age of 81 on Saturday, December 31, 2011. Irene was born on December 11, 1930 in Ensenada, Puerto Rico to Patrick “PJ” Joseph and Irene O’Neill. The youngest of three, Irene grew up in Puerto Rico.
She graduated from the University of Santa Maria in Ponce in 1951 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education. In the summer of 1952, she fell in love with Salvatore Dardano Jr., a Pharmacist who was visiting family in Puerto Rico. They were married for 58 wonderful years and have three children and five grandchildren. Most of their married lives were spent in Vernon, New York running the family businesses prior to moving to Melbourne Beach in 1983.
Irene led an extraordinary life and those of us that were touched by her kindness and compassion will be forever grateful. She was a life-long devout Roman Catholic and an active member of Immaculate Conception Church of Melbourne Beach.
Irene took great pride and joy in raising her family with her wonderful sense of humor, joy of teaching, love of animals and nature and her ever-growing sense of exploration.
Much of Irene’s life was spent volunteering as a Girl Scout leader, a Cub Scout leader, a homeroom mother and a PTA member, as well as participating in various local service clubs.
Irene loved to travel throughout the US, Canada, Europe and the Caribbean Islands. She was an avid reader, a competitive golfer, a gourmet cook, a serious bridge and cribbage player and an ardent gardener. Irene cherished sharing these activities with her family and friends.
Her true passion was to have a palette and brush in her hands. Irene was an accomplished watercolor artist. Over the years, her works of art were on display for many to enjoy; and today Irene’s creations adorn the walls of our homes and hearts.
Irene is survived by her husband, Salvatore Dardano of Melbourne Beach, Florida. Her son, Kevin Dardano (Lisa) of Rockledge, FL; daughters Anita Campbell (James) of Rockledge, FL and Ellen Duval (Peter)of Underhill, Vermont; grandchildren Jeffrey, Katie, Taylor, Connor and Maura; and numerous nieces and nephews.
The last years of her life, Irene spent battling Alzheimer’s in the loving care of the Autumn House staff. Their care and compassion was unwavering and we thank you for loving our mother, too.
A special thank you to Vitas Hospice Team 184 – Meg and Cathy we are so grateful to you!
Irene was a loving wife, an exceptional mother, and the “best friend” everyone wishes for! She will be deeply missed and forever loved by many!
A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, January 5th, at 1pm at Immaculate Conception Church in Melbourne Beach, Florida.
Arrangements entrusted to Brownlie-Maxwell Funeral Home,1010 E. Palmetto Avenue, Melbourne FL (321) 723-2345.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Brevard Alzheimer’s Foundation.
Anita, I had just read about your mom I am so sorry for you all. The article was a wonderful tribute to her and her life. I will always remember the birthday parties and other get together she put on at the house. Keep those memories close to your heart because when you are having a bad day or just something happens and mom pops in your head and heart its the memories that get you through. It is good that you had been there in the end her spirits are with you all. My thoughts and prayers to the whole family, Norma Laube
ReplyDeleteSal & Family -
ReplyDeleteSal, very sorry to hear of your loss. I remember how close you and Irene were.
I don't think I've ever told you, Sal what an inspiration you were to me in my formative years. You were one of my uncle Vincent's ("Dunny") best friends and that speaks volumes about your character. No one in my life had a greater influence on me than Dunny did, and knowing how much he respected you and valued your friendship told me that you were a special kind of man. You were always so kind and supportive of me and I've not forgotten that.
I resolve to begin a Novena to The Blessed Mother, in this her season as Mother of God, for the repose of Irene's soul and for God's continued blessings on you and your family.
I have such fond memories of the Vernon Pharmacy - of you and Pop and Frank Sansone and Max and Harold Elmer's meat market and everything that was "Vernon" in the good old days. I always respected you and always sought your approval. I trust I wasn't too much of a disappointment at times. I want you to know how much I respected you and trusted in your judgement.
You wil be in my prayers daily and I have only fond memories of your significant presence in my life.
Be well, Sal and God bless.
jerry williams
I was so sad when I heard the news of Irene from my mother, Peggy. I vaguely remember a family trip to Vernon as a child. What I remember the most about that trip is Anita's kind nature and that beautiful hair!!! I always enjoy hearing my Mom's stories of their days in Puerto Rico.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts are with your family as you gather in celebration of Anita.
Love,
Dyan Murphey Rushford
Oh my! Of course I meant to say Irene, not Anita!
ReplyDelete:)
Dyan
JR., Anita, Ellen, Kevin and families - My condolences on Irene's passing. She was such a nice person and fun to be around. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. - Phil Maggio
ReplyDeleteKevin sorry for your loss,Mr Dardano I will always remember all the advice and fatherly love you gave me when my dad died and I had my mom move in for her last years and I thankyou for thank and will always be thankful.Kevin I miss you and hope Lisa and the kids are well
ReplyDeleteJoe Reina 315-219-3445