Irma Theresa Biancamano

Irma Theresa Biancamano, 99, of Dover, passed away peacefully on February 17, 2022.

Born on February 14, 1923, in Dennison, she was a daughter of the late Vincenzo and Carmella Mastellarini Competti. After graduating from her beloved Immaculate Conception High School, Irma entered nurse’s training at Mount Carmel School of Nursing in Columbus. During her training, she proudly served her country as a surgical assistant in the Cadet Nurse Corps. During her assignment treating wounded soldiers at Fletcher General Hospital in Cambridge, she met her future husband, Domenic. Following graduation as a Registered Nurse, she worked at Twin City Hospital in Dennison, and retired from Union Hospital in Dover after a long nursing career. Irma inspired many members of her extended family to serve in the medical profession.

Irma was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Dover where she sang for many years as a soprano in the Traditional Choir and was a member of the Regina Study Club and Secular Franciscans. She also sang for many years in the Tuscarawas Philharmonic Chorus.

Irma was preceded in death by her husband Domenic, who she married on June 9, 1947. She is survived by four sons, John and Ann Biancamano of Pickerington, Donald and Peggy Biancamano of Dover, James Biancamano of Columbus, and Robert and Jillian Biancamano of Inver Grove Heights, MN. She has eight grandchildren and four great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Mrs. Norma Gurklis of Columbus.

Irma's great passions in life were her Catholic faith and encouraging her sons in all endeavors they undertook. She was a lifelong supporter of Catholic education and was involved in the efforts to start Tuscarawas Central Catholic High School. Irma especially enjoyed singing and being with her St. Joe choir family. Never one to shy away from an issue, all who knew Irma are familiar with her convictions, especially her strong Pro-Life position, and have an “Irma” story of their own. We acknowledge gratefully the example of strength Irma provided for her family and her spirit for living.

A funeral Mass will be held on Friday, February 25th starting at 10:30 am in the St. Joseph Catholic Church with Fr. Jimmy Hatfield officiating. Interment will be in the St. Joseph Calvary Cemetery at Dover. Following the burial, a funeral luncheon will be held in the St. Joseph Family Life Center. The family will be greeting friends on Thursday from 5-7 pm in the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home and Crematory at Dover, with Christian Wake services starting at 6:45 pm. Those wishing to express their fondest memories of Irma may do so by visiting the online obituaries link on the funeral home’s website.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Irma’s memory to Tuscarawas Central Catholic High School or to Birthright of New Philadelphia.