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Patricia “Pat” Louise (Nellemann) Dinolfo, 81, of Griffith, passed away on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at Hartsfield Care Center in Munster surrounded by loving family. She was born on August 1, 1944, in East Chicago, to the late Henry Nellemann and Helen (Szefc) Faron. On May 1, 1965, Pat married the love of her life, Guy Dinolfo. The couple got to celebrate 60 years together just this year, before Pat’s passing.
Pat is survived by her loving husband, Guy; daughter, Alice (John) Lynch; granddaughters, Samantha (Brett) Lynch, Sarah (Justin) Kaczmarski, and Francesca (Justin) Thiele; great-grandchildren, Kaleb, Carter, Bradley, and Silvia; brothers, Norm (Mary), Terry (Kathy), and Larry (Nancy) Nellemann; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family.
Pat grew up in Hegewisch, IL, and graduated from Chicago Vocational School (CVS) in January of 1963. After graduation, she proudly enlisted in the US Army, serving her country from 1963 to 1965. During her Army years, Pat met Guy and the rest was history. After being honorably discharged from the military and getting married, the couple lived in San Francisco, CA for three years until they moved back into the Chicago area. Once back in the area, Pat landed a job with Unilever with dedication for 20 years until her retirement at the age of 62.
Pat was a member of the VFW and a former Girl Scouts Troop Leader. She and her husband enjoyed travelling all over the country visiting as many national parks on roadtrips, even sharing these memories with their daughter.
In her spare time, Pat enjoyed completing jigsaw and sudoku puzzles, playing bingo, and going to the casino to play table games. She was notably an avid baker, specializing in cookies and her famous pumpkin pie, recipes passed down to future generations for enjoyment. It should also be said that Pat was known to be an ‘extreme couponer’, always looking to get the best bang for her buck! Most importantly, family time was everything for Pat, especially when it came to her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Pat will best be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt to many who held an even-keeled and organized life. She, along with all the love and joy she shared will be dearly missed by those whose hearts she touched throughout her life.
In accordance with Pat’ wishes, cremation has been chosen. A memorial visitation will be held on Sunday, October 19, 2025, from 2 to 5 PM at Calumet Park Funeral Chapel, 7535 Taft Street, Merrillville, IN 46410. At a later date, Pat’s remains will be laid to rest at Calumet Park Cemetery in Merrillville with a private family service.
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Dear Mr. Dinolfo, Alice and family,
Keeping you all in my daily thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Lots of fond child – neighborhood memories from Howard Ave with the Dinolfo family. May Mrs. D (Pat) rest in peace and forever watch over all of her family, friends and loved ones from above.
With deepest sympathy,
Pat was a truly good lady!! I knew her for almost fifty years and although we seldom connected in person, as I lived in California and she lived in Indiana, whenever we did she had a welcoming smile. Pat
was smart and kind with a quietly fun sense of humor. It was always a pleasure to be in her company. God bless her!!
My deepest sympathies and much love to Guy, Alice, John and the rest of Pat’s wonderful family.🙏❤️
Pat was a kind, humble, generous and endearing woman. She and Guy visited us in California many times. I remember asking her during one visit if she wanted to accompany me to a nail salon to get a manicure/pedicure. She said yes but said she wanted a manicure only.
As we were walking into the salon she said “Okay – I’ll have BOTH” which I could tell was a big deal for her – she wasn’t used to being pampered and hadn’t felt comfortable accepting. She was seated in a massage chair with a warm jacuzzi bubble bath. Two very kind women took care of her hands and feet.
She remained silent throughout, but as we were leaving she quietly said to me “That was the most pleasurable experience I have EVER had”. I remember thinking that it was very characteristic of Pat to not indulge in self-care – her love, effort and attentions were always directed towards others. She was a wonderful example of the sacrifices made by a loving mother and wife.
Philip, Adrianna and I want to extend our sympathies to Guy, Alice, John and Pat’s many grand and great-grand children. We know you will miss her very much.
May God bless and keep you in His care.
The family of the late Matteo Dinolfo – Melissa, Philip & Adrianna