Dolores “Dee” Kosec, of Boardman, 79, returned home to her Creator on Thursday, January 5, 2017, after a short and hard fought battle with cancer. Dee, a loving wife, mother and grandmother, leaves behind her soulmate and husband of 60 years, Donald, their five sons, Gregory (Jennifer), Jeffery (Linda), David (Alicia), Donald Jr. (Debra), and Michael (Dee Hepperly), fourteen adoring grandchildren Greg, Marc, Sam, Derek, Bryan, Tyler, Francesca, Gia, EJ, Anthony, Donnie, Kasey, Kylie, Carter and one great-grandchild, Jackson. She is also survived by her sister, Mary Louise (Lil) Donofrio, sister-in-law, Louise DiMargio, and several nieces and nephews. Dee was preceded in death by her parents, Elvira (DeAngelo) and Anthony DiMargio of Pescara, Italy and older brothers Nick and Carmen. Dee was born in Youngstown on November 28, 1937 and grew up in its Smoky Hollow neighborhood. She graduated from Rayen High School in 1955. Learning from her seamstress mother, she developed a great skill for sewing at a young age which she kept throughout her life. She worked as a bookkeeper at the Youngstown City Office Company and served as a Democratic precinct committee woman for over 20 years. Dee was known by her family as an excellent cook and baker of any and all Italian foods, and had a particular knack for pepperoni rolls, fried dough, meatballs and polenta. Throughout her life, her five boys and grandchildren made her no stranger to sporting events, which she loved to attend. She enjoyed family gatherings at her home and taking walks each night with her loving husband. A woman of faith, Dee was a devoted member of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church and participated annually in the Church’s Novena to Saint Anthony.
Family and friends are welcome from 4 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, January 8 at the Rossi Brothers and Lellio Funeral Home, 4442 South Avenue in Boardman. Funeral services will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, January 9 at the funeral home, followed by a 10:30 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at SS. Peter and Paul Church, 421 Covington Street in Youngstown with Rev. Joseph Rudjak celebrating. Dolores will then be laid to rest at Calvary Cemetery. Family and friends may visit the Book of Memories at www.rossifunerals.com to view this tribute and send condolences to Dee’s family.

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