Emil Charles Di Motta, Jr.

Emil Charles Di Motta, Jr made his final flight to his heavenly home on Wednesday, August 18, 2021. Born to Emil C Di Motta and Noreen O’Shaughnessy Di Motta on November 22, 1938, in The Bronx, NY, he was the oldest of three children. Emil was raised and educated in the Catholic school system of New York. In his college years, he briefly attended CCNY before being accepted to the United States Naval Academy where he graduated in 1962. Upon graduation, he attended flight school and became a P3 pilot. Emil proudly served his country during the Vietnam war. He flew on many reconnaissance flights during this time as Ltjg. and LT. in VP28 Hawaiian Warriors. Later, Emil became a project test pilot and, in that capacity, he flew 7 different types of propeller driven aircraft. On June 8, 1963, Emil married the love of his life, Grace Gilbert, in Newtown Square, PA. Together they raised a loving family of seven children and celebrated 58 years of marriage. Emil was a dedicated husband and father who took great pride in his family. He was heavily involved in his children's faith, education, and sports. He spent many years as a volunteer at as many school functions as he could. Emil was always there supporting and cheering on his children in the many sports they played. Emil was an incredibly hard worker throughout his life. Coming from a family who immigrated to the United States from Italy and Ireland, Emil had the fight and drive to pursue any and all of his dreams. He had an ever-evolving entrepreneurial spirit. Emil managed and founded several different businesses from accounting systems to computer software development and sales. One of Emil’s longtime passions was serving in the Rotary International Club. Beginning his service in 1978 in Rotary Lakeland South, Emil served his community continuously for many years. He was past President of this club and received the Distinguished Service Award, the Service Above Self Award, and had perfect attendance there for more than twenty years. When Emil and Grace moved to N.E. Florida on February 2, 2011, he transferred to the Rotary Club of Fleming Island. He was two-time President of this club. A Rotarian from 1978-2021 he taught us all “Service Above Self”. Emil was a current member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Fleming Island where he and Grace have attended for the past 10 years. Previous parishes were Resurrection Catholic Church and St. John Neumann Catholic Church, both located in Lakeland, FL. He served as a Eucharistic Minister, Liturgical Reader, and Usher at all of the parishes. What Emil enjoyed most was spending time with the people he loved. He and Grace loved traveling to see their kids and grandkids scattered around Florida. Emil also enjoyed smoking cigars, drinking red wine, and playing poker at Island Girl Cigar Bar Fleming Island. Emil never met a stranger. He was an avid writer and will be remembered for his great stories and one-liners. He was a founding member of the Smoke N Guns Tampa FL which is a non-profit organization charged with promoting, defending and preserving the 2nd Amendment to the Constitution of the United States and to preserve the rights of those that choose to smoke cigars be protected with that right without any government interference or ridiculous taxation. Emil is preceded in death by his father, Emil C Di Motta, his mother, Noreen O’Shaughnessy Di Motta, and his sister, Barbara Di Motta Pesci. He is survived by his wife, Grace, their 7 children: Dawn (John), Sean (Heather), Edward (Whitney), Emil (Staci), Grace (Dan), Mari-Elean (Michael) & Dana (Joe). His 14 grandchildren: Ryan (Raychel), Cory, Sadie (Robert), Ashley, Connor, Mackenzie (David), Logan, Cutter, Brysen, Chase, Gus, Madeline, Lily, Caroline and 6 great-grandchildren: Rylan, Rhett, Reece, Sofia, Sydney, Lucas, and by his sister, Maria Elena Di Motta Alvaro (Robert). He was loved by many nieces, nephews, and extended family. A Celebration of Emil's life will be held at 5:00 pm on September 18, 2021 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Fleming Island. Emil's wish is to be inurned at the USNA Columbarium. A funeral mass and committal service at the United States Naval Academy is planned for November 2021. In Lieu of flowers, please consider donating in his memory to one of the following foundations: United States Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation. We would be honored if you choose either Admissions Excellence or STEM Summer Programs. In memory of Emil C Di Motta Jr Class of 1962. https://www.usna.com/give Rotary Foundation. Dad taught us all "Service Above Self". Feel free to donate to a program of your choice https://my.rotary.org/en/donate