ARLINGTON, Va. — Carmen A. DiPlacido passed away on Friday, Feb. 1, 2013, in Arlington, Va.
He was born Oct. 7, 1945, in Conneaut, Ohio, to the late Gaetano and Louise DiPlacido. A 1963 Conneaut High School graduate and Senior Class President, he was in the process of planning his 50th class reunion. Carmen graduated from Bowling Green State University and received a JD from University of Akron School of Law.
Mr. DiPlacido was an extraordinary attorney-at-law with a distinguished 27 year career in the U.S. Department of State, where he served in numerous positions, including Director, Office of Citizens Consular Services and Director, Office of Policy Review and Interagency Liaison, Overseas Citizens Services; as well as Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Passport Services and Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Overseas Citizens Services.
He had extensive experience in consular law, citizenship, treasury issues, child abduction, aviation security and terrorism. He was known as much for his kind and gentle spirit as for his singular expertise in citizenship, naturalization and consular practice. Carmen had superb intellect, enormous practical knowledge; huge institutional memory, and unstinting and consistent generosity in sharing it all. A singular contribution of his was the landmark Child Citizenship Act of 2000, which Carmen authored to imbue derivative citizenship with his trademark fairness and compassion.
Carmen was a selfless mentor and served on various organizational committees. Mr. DiPlacido was admitted to the State Bar of Ohio and was privileged to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court. After retiring in 1997 from the U.S. Department of State, Carmen went into private practice specializing in consular law. He was one of the country’s leading experts in the fields of immigration, citizenship and naturalization.
In addition to his long-time support for work at the Immigration Council, Carmen was an ardent supporter of individuals with special needs, and was the current president of the board of directors of Porto Charities, Inc., a charitable organization dedicated to actively assisting people with developmental or intellectual disabilities; their community and their environment.
Carmen is survived by his wife of 43 years, Ann; and the love of his life, his daughter, Christie. He is also survived by brothers, Guy DiPlacido, Louis DiPlacido and Frank DiPlacido; and sisters, Mary Jane Bosa, Louise Branham and Jeanne Short.
He was preceded in death by a sister, Theresa Wahonick; brothers, Pasquale, Lewis and Pat E.; and three nephews.
Services were held Feb. 7, 2013, in Arlington, Va.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Porto Charities, Inc., P.O. Box 7266, Arlington, Va. 22207.
Obituary and condolences at starbeacon.com.
