Stella DiMartino Obituary

Stella Joanna DiMartino

March 12, 2026

JOHNSON CITY - Stella Joanna DiMartino (née Charnofski), 104, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 12, 2026, in Johnson City, TN. Born on April 17, 1921, in Brooklyn, New York, to the late Bronislev and Clara Charnofski, she was raised in Brooklyn and Valley Stream, Long Island.

Stella graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in Brooklyn, NY, and was extremely proud to have worked for the U.S. Selective Service Draft Board in Brooklyn during WWII, where she met her husband, Ben.

After their marriage in 1949, they moved to Bayside, NY, and raised five children. Stella was proud of taking her children by herself on vacation to Lake George, NY, Maine, and Vermont. She and her sister, Anne, also brought the children to Washington, DC. Stella will always be remembered fondly for conducting her own "summer school" for her children in the backyard with her math and spelling "flash cards." She always kept it fun.

Stella began her new life in Johnson City in 2016 as a resident at Colonial Hill Retirement Center, where she made many new friends. She was very popular with the staff and other residents, playing cards, board games, and Rummikub. She enjoyed watching baseball, tennis, and game shows and was always up to date with current events. Stella was never without a cup of coffee and her crossword puzzle books. The many afghans that she crocheted are cherished family heirlooms.

Stella was a loving mother to her children, Edward (Margaret), Rose (Karen), Stephanie (William), James (Pennie), and Joseph (Karen). She was a cherished grandmother of nine and great-grandmother of six.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ben; her sister, Anne Charney; and her grandson, Matthew.

Stella will never be forgotten by her family and everyone who had the pleasure of knowing her or calling her a friend. Memories of her will always bring a smile or laugh. You led a long and productive life, Stella. Your family is your legacy.

The family would like to give special thanks to the entire staff at Colonial Hill Retirement Center, especially to Shannon, Kendra, and April, whose companionship was so important to her.

A mass and celebration of Stella's life will be conducted Friday, March 20, 2026, 10:00am at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church in Johnson City. The family will receive friends prior to the mass at Tetrick Funeral Services, Johnson City from 9:00-9:30am.

Interment will take place in Long Island, NY.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.tetrickfuneralservices.com.

Tetrick Funeral Services, 3001 Peoples St. Johnson City, TN 37604, is honored to serve the DiMartino family (423-610-7171).