Luigi DiMeglio, 93

Gardener and Family Man

October 13, 1933 - November 9, 2026

Luigi DiMeglio, 93, of Skillman, NJ died peacefully, with family by his side, on November 9.

Luigi was from the beautiful Island of Ischia, Italy. He was one of 10 children and extremely proud of his heritage. He was chosen to work at a very young age to help support the family and he would tell stories of how he had to wake up at 4 am every day to walk miles with the donkey to the mountain to help gather kindling to supply local businesses in town, as well as maintaining the family vineyard.

As a teen, he traveled to the U.S. by boat for work with his father, returning to Ischia, then back to the U.S. He was the youngest on the boat, SS Andrea Doria, and told many stories of the rough Atlantic Ocean and how harrowing it was to cross the Atlantic. He also shared stories of our paternal and maternal grandfathers employment on the construction of the Holland Tunnel, which wasn’t for the faint of heart. Bravery, at its finest, for a better future for their families.

He settled in the Princeton area, having his wife join him from Ischia soon after they were married, and raised his family. He worked as a gardener until his mid-seventies. He loved his gardens, both floral and vegetable, pasta, bread, and his homemade wine. He loved to sing, especially at weddings, often hijacking the mic from the band, to belt out a song or two.

He also raised and trained multiple lineages of champion English Pointers, competing at Field Trials across the U.S. There was not enough wall space at his home to showcase all of the ribbons, awards, and photos of his champs.

Luigi is survived by his wife of 68 years, Anna, a son Luigi (Josie), daughters Lucianna (husband Jake), and Linda.

Dad, now is the time to finally rest and know that we will miss you greatly seated at the head of the table.

A private ceremony will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations in his honor may be made to The Alzheimer’s Association.