Steven dicman

Steven Dicman, (Yugo) born August 11, 1932, went to be with his Lord and Savior September 8, 2018.
Steven Dicman…To say he was UNIQUE, would be an understatement. His charm, generosity, sense of humor, and bravado were legendary!
Steven is with his Lord, whom he loved profoundly, ever since he was a young boy in his country, then known as 'Yugoslavia.' Through…divine intervention, fate, cleverness, or a combination of all 3, he managed to stay alive throughout World War II, along with his beloved 3 years younger sister, Maria (Dicman) Eshelman. Together, they worked, begged, borrowed, and stole to stay alive across war-torn Europe. After the Allies liberated Europe, Steven and Maria were brought to the United States by sea, over 4000+ miles as war orphans by the Catholic Charities of that time. They were 16 and 13 years of age and had already seen many wartime atrocities. They had not much 'childhood' at all. Daddy and his Sister Maria, her husband Paul, her children, their children, and their children's children have always only lived 3 hours apart for over 60 years!! Daddy and Mimi have always been close. A brother and sister united in tragedy, and in love.
Daddy and Mimi landed on the East Coast. After a short stay in Baltimore, Daddy relocated to Binghamton, NY while Mimi moved first to Binghamton, and then to Buffalo, NY.
After some brief time passed, Dad enlisted in the U. S. Army to "thank this great Country of ours" that had rescued him from war-torn Europe. He was a life-long patriot. Dad distinguished himself several times on 'The Front' in the Korean Conflict as a 'Demolition Man' during his deployment. He was distinguished and awarded medals for bravery. My Dad was one of the bravest men I have ever known. In later years, Steve always loved heading to the VFW Post 478, and the Binghamton American Legion for the camaraderie, jocularity, foods, and a good card game!
In 1953, Steven married my Mother, Joan (Conrad) Dicman. Their union lasted 13 years, and I, Marguerite (Margo) Marie Matthews (Dicman) was the only child either one of my parents ever had. Even though their marriage did not last, their kind friendship, united by their love for me, lasted a lifetime. Daddy learned how to speak English better, and furthered his love of the Catholic religion with the help of my Mother and her Mother's (my Nana's) aid too. He became one of the 3 Musketeers with my Mom's twin sister Jean's husband, Jimmy Perkins, and my Mother's brother, Gerald Conrad. Those 3 guys knew how to have a good time! Whether attending Mass, grilling out, playing/ watching sports, or taking a swift journey to the 'Biergarten', those fellows laughed aplenty. Their friendship and escapades spanned decades.
In Summer of 1977, Steven married Joanne (Barnes) Dicman. They remained married, and together, until his death. Joanne was the 'love of his life'.
They were together over 40+ years…
The love they shared was evident. Their Croatian/Irish tempers were evenly matched! Daddy and Joanne lived a comfortable life together, on Binghamton's South Side. They shared their lives with: her children, her grandchildren, many visits from us, love from our beautiful children, and then, Joanne's great-grandchildren came to shed light and love as well!
The list of positions held throughout his life by Steve is a lengthy and unusual one.
Here are some, in no particular order: Soldier, leather shoe and boot manufacturer at Endicott Johnson Corp., blacksmith during the war, horse trainer at various times in his life, zookeeper at the Ross Park Zoo during the '70's, large cat trainer, gambler, bartender, Union Steward, City of Binghamton, Parks and Recreation Director at Recreation Park, chauffeur, Charlie Chip driver, cab driver (for 1 day!), snowplow driver, motor pool car tester, railroad engineer for Erie Lackawanna Railroad, and driver of any other large machines that he could get his hands on, janitor, garbage man, and store detective. I may have forgotten a few things, but these are the highlights! He also spoke 7 languages. To say my Dad was colorful, brave, wise, and accomplished is an understatement.
Throughout his early life in the States, Steve was a member of Saint James church, Johnson City, N. Y. Mid-Life until he passed, Steve was a devout member of Saint John's Catholic Church, Binghamton, N.Y. Over the course of his life, the Catholic religion was very important to him.
Steven is survived by: His wife Joanne Dicman; sister Maria Eshelman; brother-in-law Paul Eshelman, Sr.; daughter Marguerite Marie Matthews; beloved son-in-law Dr. Martin Matthews; step-daughters Alicia Springett (David Lewis); Kelly Neferis (Pete); Pamela Schlagter (David); adored grandchildren Luciana Logan Matthews, and Kristina Carlotta Matthews, and special German grand-children Yanti Grossmann and Yannick Grossmann; grandchild Kimberly Showers (Jason) and her children, Shannon Springett, Bradley, Zachary, and Nicholas Neferis; grandchild Deven Schlagter; niece Mary-Kay Eshelman-Seliger and her children, and their children; nephew Paul Eshelman, Jr.; more nieces, the 'Conrad Girls' with their spouses, and their children; niece Carol Perkins and her children; and his special friend for many, many years, Thomas Lomonoco (Tudor).
Steven was predeceased by his parents, one brother, one sister, and many, many, loved ones too numerous to mention.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Behe Funeral Home Inc. 21 Main Street, Oxford, NY 13830. A Memorial and Mass will be celebrated in his honor at a later date to be announced.
In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Steve's honor to the following organizations:
SouthernTier of New York Veterans Group
P. O. Box 1201
Vestal, New York
13851
(501c Group that helps Veterans in all manner of things.)
Saints John and Andrew's Parish Improvement Fund.
1263 Vestal Avenue.
Binghamton, New York
13903
(Daddy's long time church.)