Carmen R. (Ruo) DiChiara, of North Reading formerly of Medford, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by those she loved on her 101st birthday, Saturday, September 14, 2024. She was the beloved wife of the late Nicholas DiChiara. Born in the west End of Boston, she was the only child of the late Michael and Frances (Fiorello) Ruo.
Carmen married her childhood sweetheart Nicholas when he returned home from WWII. Sadly, he passed away at a young age in 1967. Carmen work for many many years as an office manager at the Zayre’s Department Store in Medford prior to her retirement. She eventually moved to North Reading to be close to her sons and their families. As a Centenarian, Carmen was awarded North Reading's Boston Cane Award as she was officially the towns oldest citizen for three years. When she turned 100 the Town celebrated her with several parties, a proclamation making the day officially "Carmen DiChiara Day" as well as proclamations from the State House of Representatives. It was a joyous day for Carmen and her family. Carmen was interviewed for a publication that appeared in the North Reading Transcript when she was asked about her beliefs she replied "We had less but we had more." As to her long gevity she replied "Try to think good things. There's a God in Heaven, and we still need a woman to run the country!"
Carmen was the devoted mother of Ret. Medford Police Cpt. Michael DiChiara and his wife Diane of North Reading, Ralph DiChiara and his wife Jo-Ann of North Reading, and the late Nicholas DiChiara, Jr. She is also survived by twelve loving grandchildren and nine loving great grandchildren. She was the loving grandmother of the late Scott DiChiara.
Family and friends are respectfully invited to visit with the family at the McLaughlin - Dello Russo Family Funeral Home, 60 Pleasant St., Woburn, Monday, September 23rd, from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. followed by a funeral Mass celebrated in St. Thersa Church, 63 Winter St., North Reading, at 10:30 a.m. Services will conclude with burial at Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Carmen's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place o Memphis, TN 38105.