Irene Dichiro

IRENE A. DICHIRO age 79, cherished daughter of the late John and Edith Marie (nee Fisco) DiChiro; dearest sister of the late John; treasured friend of Suzy DiTurno-Chalk (husband Nick DiTurno, deceased) and Diane & Lou Sustersic; dear cousin of many. Survived by her K-9 companion Noah.

Irene was born in Cleveland, OH on September 27, 1940 and passed away on February 22, 2020.  For the past 20 years, Irene has been a resident of Mentor, previously living in Richmond Heights.  She grew up in South Euclid, graduating from Brush High School in 1958.  Irene then attended Kent State University,  in Kent, OH where she received a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1965.  After receiving her Bachelor’s from Kent State, Irene continued her education attending the University of Nebraska, graduating with her Master’s of Education Degree in 1971.  Driven by her thirst for knowledge, Irene returned to Kent State, graduating with an Educational Specialist Degree in Counseling in 1982.  Irene began her professional career at her Alma Matter, Kent State, as an Instructor.  While teaching at Kent, she received the Martha Holden Jennings Scholar Award as recognition for being an outstanding classroom teacher for the 1981-1982 school year.  From there she was a Training Coordinator at Cole National Corporation, Management Trainer at St. Vincent Charity Hospital, and a Training Officer at National City Bank.  Irene then became the Skills Development Specialist at Bank One and finally, was a Self-Employed Consultant/Contract Trainer.  Irene was a proud member of the American Society for Training and Development (ASTD) from 1985 until her passing.  She was a member of St. Clare Catholic Church for many years prior to her membership at St. Noel Catholic Church. Irene was a lector, cantor and sang in the choir at both churches. Her hobbies included singing, playing piano, art, and playing with her beloved pets.  She is known for being social, friendly, hard-working, dedicated and loyal. Irene will be remembered as a faithful, selfless, strong willed, and determined woman. She will be dearly missed by all those she touched in life.

Contributions may be made in memory of Irene to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary (https://bestfriends.org/donate) or St. Noel Catholic Church 35200 Chardon Rd., Willoughby Hills, OH 44094.

Relatives and friends are requested to meet for the Mass of Christian Burial Saturday, February 29, 2020 at St. Noel Catholic Church at 10 AM. Burial following at All Souls Cemetery. Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Irene at THE DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF WILLOUGHBY HILLS, 28890 CHARDON ROAD (between Bishop Rd. and Rt. 91) FRIDAY 4-7 PM.