Dumitru Oala

Dumitru Oala—known to everyone as Dumi, Tati, or Papa—lived his 72 years with joy, generosity, and boundless love for his family. Born on October 26, 1952, in the village of Jibert, Romania, Dumi grew up surrounded by faith, family, and the value of hard work.

In 1994, on his birthday, he made a life-changing journey from Făgăraș to the United States, leaving behind comfort in Romania to build a future full of opportunity for his daughters. It was a goal he accomplished with pride, watching Corina earn a PhD and Sonia become a Registered Dietitian.

Dumi poured his heart into everything he did—from his work at Precise Rotary Die, where he shared a rare friendship with his boss Ray, to his carefully tended vegetable garden and his daily workouts at the gym. He had a gift for making connections, a joke that he had “a cousin in every town in Romania,” and a knack for brightening any room.

At the center of his life was his wife, Monica, with whom he shared laughter, late-night talks, and simple moments of companionship. His happiest hours were spent at family gatherings, helping his daughters with home projects, and playing with his granddaughters, Norah and Sofia—walking to the park, chasing fireflies, acting silly, or simply being together.

Dumi and his family visited Romania just weeks before his passing, reuniting with his mother Livia, brother Ghita, his favorite aunts, cousins, and many other extended family members and loved ones. It was a homecoming that brought him immense joy and gratitude.

He is survived by Monica; Corina and Tim; Sonia and Nick; Norah and Sofia; Livia; Ghita; and his family’s beloved pets, including his favorite kitty, Valentina. His life’s motto was simple: family is everything. He respected and trusted his sons-in-law Tim and Nick, completely, to carry on taking care of “his girls.” He will be eternally remembered for his joyful spirit, deep faith, positive outlook, and endless devotion to his family.

Visitation for Dumitru will take place on Sunday, August 10, 2025 from 2:00 pm  until 8:00 pm at Cumberland Chapels 8300 W. Lawrence Ave. Norridge, Il. Funeral services will be held on Monday, August 11, 2025 at 10AM at St. Mary’s Romanian Orthodox Church (4225 N. Central Ave.) followed by a gravesite blessing at Irving Park Cemetery in Chicago at 11:30AM. All are welcome to join us for luncheon at Blossom cafe, immediately after (8349 W. Lawrence Ave.).

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Dumi by spending time with your loved ones, tending to your garden, or lending a helping hand to someone who needs it—just as he always did.