Obituary of Rosemarie "Pidge" DiMatteo

Rosemarie “Pidge” DiMatteo (née Gillespie)
Beloved Wife, Mother, Gigi, and Longtime Resident of Merchantville

Rosemarie “Pidge” DiMatteo passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of her family on April 29, 2026 at the age of 65.

Pidge was born to the late Ben and Rosemarie Gillespie and was predeceased by her beloved son, Nicholas R. DiMatteo. She is survived by her devoted husband of 44 years, Nick DiMatteo — who she lovingly put up with (and laughed with) through all of his antics over the years.

She was the proud mother of Steven and Ashley DiMatteo of Sewell, and Stacey and Anthony Tartaglia of Cinnaminson. Nothing brought her more joy than being “Gigi” to her six grandchildren: Jacob, Evelyn, Logan, Nathan, Grace, and Dominic. Her grandkids were truly her world, and everything she did centered around them.

Pidge worked at Merchantville School for 25 years, serving in many roles and becoming a familiar, friendly face to students, staff, and families alike. She also gave her time and energy to the Merchantville Little League for many years, where she could often be found cheering on players, volunteering at the snack stand, or helping organize behind the scenes.

She loved her summers in North Wildwood, especially her time on 19th and Surf, where beach days and time with family brought her peace and happiness.

Pidge is also survived by her siblings, Barbara (Robert) Fischer, Mark (Angela) Gillespie, and Richard (Susan) Gillespie; as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews who adored her. She leaves behind countless close friends, extended family members, and former colleagues who will miss her laughter, honesty, and fierce loyalty.

Pidge had a special way of making people feel at home — whether through her sarcasm, her stories, or sitting with you on the porch. Her love was steady and true, and her absence leaves an unfillable space in the lives of those who loved her.

“Her love was constant, her laughter contagious, and her presence unforgettable.”Relatives & friends are invited to the Visitation & Funeral on Wednesday, May 6th from 5 PM to 8 PM and Thursday, May 7th 10 to 11 AM. A Funeral Service will be celebrated at 11 AM. Interment Calvary Cemetery in Cherry Hill. Flowers are welcomed but a donation can also be made in Pidge's memory to the Pancreatic Cancer Network www.PANCAN.org or The Melanoma Research Foundation, www.melanoma.org.