Athalene June (Kettering) DiMatteo

Athalene June DiMatteo, wife, mother and grandmother, who was active in the cultural and philanthropic life of her Palmyra community, passed away peacefully on May 2, 2017. She was the devoted wife and daughter of the founders of A.S.K. Foods, Inc.

Athalene, better known as Lennie, was born on June 14, 1922 in Lebanon, PA to Mabel Gingrich Kettering and Abram Shelley Kettering. A few years after graduating from Palmyra High School in 1940, she met the love of her life, Robert DiMatteo, at an Officers Club Dance at Indiantown Gap during World War II. Married in 1946, they lived briefly in Boston but soon returned to  Palmyra where both became active volunteers in the community and the Palmyra Church of the Brethren.

Lennie served as President of the Palmyra Women's Club and the Rotary Anns. She was a founding member of the Palmyra Library and later served many years on its Board. Devoted to her church, she was a Deacon and chaired its Nominating and Fine Arts Committees. A music lover, she took vocal lessons at Lebanon Valley College and was a long-time member of her church choir and hand bell choir. She also was an active volunteer at the Lebanon Valley Brethren Home, serving on its Auxiliary and Decorating Committee.

Lennie had a true compassion for people. During the 1970's and 1980's, she was a dedicated advocate and sponsor through her church of many refugees, hosting families in her home from Egypt, Romania, Poland and Vietnam. She found great joy in the continued friendships she shared with these families throughout her life.

She enjoyed gourmet cooking and games like bridge, tennis and golf. Her love from a young child of grammar and words made her a tough competitor at Scrabble and crossword puzzles. Her favorite passion, however, was her family; she was happiest spending time with her husband, children and grandchildren, nurturing them with great affection and a playful sense of humor. 

She is survived by her daughter, Wendie DiMatteo Holsinger and husband Steven J. of Lancaster, PA; two daughters-in-law, Marianne DiMatteo of Harrisburg, PA and Rebecca Casstevens of Binghamton, NY; four grandchildren, Christopher Holsinger of Lancaster, PA, Adrienne DiMatteo Zurenko and husband David of Los Angeles, CA, Julian DiMatteo of Brooklyn, NY, and Jason DiMatteo and wife Carrie of Brooklyn, NY; a great granddaughter, Remi DiMatteo of Brooklyn, NY; and her adoring Boston Terrier, Shelley.  She was predeceased by her husband of 65 years, Robert B. DiMatteo Sr, and two sons, Robert B. DiMatteo, Jr. and Joel A. DiMatteo.

Family and friends are invited for visitation on Friday, May 12th from 5:00 to 7 PM at Londonderry Village, DiMatteo Worship Center, 1200 Grubb Road, Palmyra, PA 17078.  A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 13th at 11:00 AM at Palmyra Church of The Brethren, 45 North Chestnut Street, Palmyra with Rev. Dennis M. Lohr officiating with a period of food and fellowship to follow.  Private burial will take place in Spring Creek Cemetery, Hershey.  Rothermel-Finkenbinder Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 25 West Pine Street, Palmyra has been entrusted with the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Lennie’s honor to Londonderry Village, Good Samaritan Fund or her church, The Palmyra Church of the Brethren.  Condolences and memories may be shared at www.finkenbinderfamily.com

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