Dominic J DiAnna

Dominic James (Jim) DiAnna was born May 20, 1929, in Hibbing, Minnesota. He was the only child of Vincenzo and Pasqualina DiAnna. Jim worked very hard from a young age, in grocery, home farming and iron ore mining. He left home at age 16 to join the United States Marines, where he served proudly for 10 years. After he was discharged he traveled to his parents hometown in Calabria, Italy where he met his future wife Maria Buda. They were married in 1955, and settled in San Diego where he had trained in the Marine Corps. They had four children, James, Joseph, Michael and Rosemary (deceased).

Jim worked for the State of California (Cal Trans) for many years, but from a young age, he had a desire of owning a business. He put great importance on teaching his sons the same values, that his father taught him, honesty, integrity, accountability, and hard work. In 1978 he fulfilled that dream becoming the driving force of a start up restaurant, with Maria and his three sons. DiMille's Italian Restaurant became a favorite landmark in San Diego, and continues to be a thriving family business. Dominic's other business interests were, trading in the stock market, which proved successful, and enabled him to retire early.

Jim’s favorite pastimes were reading, collecting valuable stamps, coins and other memorabilia. He loved conversation, and was always up for a good debate, especially on subjects that he was passionate about.

Jim was a devoted husband, family man who loved being surrounded by his children and grandchildren. He is survived by his sons James ( Ninfa), Joseph (Rosalie), and Michael (Andrea), and his six beloved grandchildren, Joseph, Benjamin, Domonic, Danielle, Alexa and Michael. His Brother-in-laws in Sydney, Australia, Charlie Buda (Maria), Vincent Buda (Antonella), Joseph Buda (Carmen), Sister-in-laws in Italy, Maria Buda and Lena Pennisi, along with multiple nieces and nephews.

Jim suffered from a degenerative brain disease which gradually caused him to lose his ability to walk, talk and eventually even to eat. He remained resilient and determined and was a strong man who fought hard until the illness prevailed.

Jim was predeceased by his infant Daughter Rosemary on December 16, 1965, and his Beloved Wife Maria on January 4, 1999.

Jim (Dominic) (Dad, Gramps), will be greatly missed and loved by all forever.......

Viewing will be held on Wednesday, April 15th from 5:00pm to 8:00pm at Merkley-Mitchell Mortuary, 3655 Fifth Avenue, San Diego, CA 92103. Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church, 1629 Columbia Street,on Thursday, April 16, 2015 at 9:00 am, followed by a reception at the Church Hall. Military honors and interment will take place at 2:00 pm at Ft. Rosecrans National Cemetery atop Point Loma. In lieu of flowers donations to St Jude Childrens Hospital www.stjude.org