Dino Brandolisio

Dino Brandolisio, of Erdenheim, Pennsylvania passed away peacefully at home on March 11, 2025 at age 91. He was the devoted husband of 63 years to Rosina Brandolisio (Piccoli) and the proud father to Frank (Donna), Pietro (Pamela) and Patrizia Remish (Shawn) and the adored ‘Nonno’ to his three grandchildren, Kimberly, Steven and Nicholas. Dino was preceded in death by his parents Pietro and Teresa Brandolisio (nee Polesel). He was a beloved brother to his two younger sisters, Liliana Venier and Nelly Mazzoli.

Dino was born on December 31, 1933 in Haarlem, Netherlands where he lived for 10 years until his family moved back to Maniago, Italy to escape the oncoming invasion of Holland by German troops during WWII. Dino learned the meaning of hard work at a very young age and was expected to work and bring home money to help support the family. Beginning at the age of 15, he worked in a knife factory for 5 years and then decided to take 6 months to learn the trade of laying terrazzo. Utilizing his newly learned skills of this trade, he worked in Switzerland for 5 years and then in Germany for 7 months.

In 1959 at the age of 25, Dino was provided an opportunity to work in the United States through a sponsorship program by a company in Omaha, Nebraska to lay terrazzo. He arrived with a suitcase in hand and $5 in his pocket, not knowing how to speak the English language. He was determined to work hard and live the so called ‘American dream’. His motto was always “if you want it, you have to go and get it”.

In 1961 he went back to Italy for a visit and married his beloved wife, Rosina. He returned to the US with his bride and continued to live in Omaha for a short period of time before moving to Chestnut Hill, PA in 1962. It was here that they met many Italians from the same region of Italy that they were from (Friuli) and felt a sense of community, so they decided to lay down roots and start their family. Years later they relocated to nearby Erdenheim, PA.

After many years of laying terrazzo, Dino decided it was time to make a change and took a chance on starting his own tile setting business. He worked hard and had a successful business for 20+ years before turning it over to his son, Pietro.

Above all, he lived life to the fullest. Always the life of the party with a huge personality and so many stories to tell. He had a heart of gold and always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone and everyone. Fishing, hunting, gardening and dancing were his passions. Family meant everything to him and his love was unconditional. He reveled in his role as ‘Nonno’ to his grandchildren. His memory will live on through the laughter he shared, the wisdom he offered, and the love he gave so generously.

In lieu of sending flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Dino’s honor to Fox Chase Cancer Center. You can contribute online at www.foxchase.org/giving/ways-give/donate-now. 

Visitation will take place at Jacob F. Ruth Funeral Directors, Inc, 8413 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19118 on Monday, March 17th from 7:00 – 9:00 PM. A second visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 18th at St. Genevieve Parish, 1225 Bethlehem Pike, Flourtown, PA from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM with Funeral Mass immediately following.