Anthony John DiMarco, 90, builder

Anthony John DiMarco, 90, of Feasterville and Ocean City, N.J., a longtime builder of rowhouses in Philadelphia and South Jersey, died Tuesday, Oct. 7, of complications from dementia at SpringVillage at Floral Vale, Yardley.

As a young man, Mr. DiMarco entered the building business with his brother, John, under the name DiMarco Construction. The two were known for putting up hundreds of townhouses and rowhouses, initially in Northeast Philadelphia.

Later, they branched out and built more than 4,000 apartments in Philadelphia and South Jersey.

His family said he was among the first to use prefabricated trusses and pneumatic nailing guns, which made for increased efficiency.

After laying a concrete foundation for a home, Mr. DiMarco would calculate the precise moment the concrete would cure and immediately begin framing the walls.

"This system ensured that he could complete a development in record time," his family said in a tribute. "He was known to secure a construction loan with a bank in the morning and later that day be seen on a bulldozer, digging the foundation."

He was born in Philadelphia and educated in the public schools.

Mr. DiMarco learned his trade in the "school of hard knocks," his family said, and his grandchildren didn't mind helping out in the business.

"His affectionate ways and sense of humor made everyone enjoy the achievements of an honest day's work," his family said. Many who worked with him later went on to mirror his values in their own businesses.

Mr. DiMarco was a World War II Army veteran. He fought in campaigns in Normandy, the Ardennes, northern France, the Rhineland, and central Europe, and was awarded the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with five bronze stars.

In his free time, he enjoyed dancing, gardening, storytelling, and traveling with wife Rose Benedetto. The two were married for 65 years. She died in 2011.

"He loved growing fruits and vegetables - tomatoes, peppers, and arugula. He would travel to Italy and bring back the seeds for arugula," said his daughter, Rose Carbonara.

He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree, the Lions Club, Sons of Italy, and the American Legion.

Surviving, besides his daughter, are a son, Anthony R. "Skip"; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and a sister. Another son, Russell, died in 1997.

Funeral services were Saturday, Oct. 11.

Donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association Delaware Valley Chapter, 399 Market St., Suite 102, Philadelphia 19106.

610-313-8102