Mr. Joseph A. DiMattia

Joseph A. DiMattia, 85, of Pittsfield, MA., passed away at home on October 7, 2019, surrounded by his family. Joe was born on June 12, 1934, to Eugene and Emilia Pasqua DiMattia and grew up in the West End of Boston, the North End, and Jamaica Plain prior to moving to Pittsfield. He graduated from Wentworth Institute in 1953 and was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1954. Serving during the Korean Conflict from 1954 to 1956, his unit was stationed in Kyoto, Japan on a special assignment. As a result of outstanding work, the group received a Letter of Commendation from General Mark Clark. While in Japan Joe earned a black belt in judo and, later, loved sharing a great story about his unit’s decision to participate in a judo match with the local Japanese police unit. After his discharge, Joe attended Northeastern University on the G.I. Bill and earned a degree in electrical engineering. He married his beloved wife, (Georgette) Denise Rondeau, in Taftville, CT., on September 4, 1961, who he had met during a university co-op assignment at the U.S. Navy office associated with General Dynamics (Electric Boat Division) in Groton, CT.. He was employed by General Electric Ordnance Systems and Lockheed Martin from 1961 to 1994. Upon his semi-retirement, Joe was employed by Turned Works for a number of years, learning the art of woodturning. He was also a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity from 1995 until 2010. Joe was a history buff, a proud Bostonian, and a lifelong Red Sox and Patriots fan. He was also an avid gardener, starting tomato plants from seed each year. He enjoyed working on countless home projects and prepared a daily list of things to do before breakfast was over. In addition to maintaining his daily list, Joe also built furniture of family members, as well as toys for his grandchildren. He is survived by his wife, Denise, of 58 years; his daughter, Donna and her husband, John Conry, along with grandsons Ryan, Edward, and Nathan of Shaker Heights, OH; his daughter, Debra and her husband, William Johnson, along with grandson, Benjamin of Niantic, CT.; his son, Dominic of Pittsfield, MA; his son John and his wife Samara, along with granddaughters, Daria and Eliana of Stamford, CT.. He is also survived by his brother Philip and wifre Marie of Norwood, MA; his sister, Marie Giglio of Burlington, MA.; his brother, John and wife Louise of Merrimack, NH.; his sister-in-law, Lorraine Jolicoeur of North Port, FL.; and many nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his brother-in-law, John Giglio. The family would like to recognize the incredible Oncology Staff at Berkshire Health Services for the care, compassion, and support provided throughout Joe’s illness. Funeral Notice: Funeral services for Mr. Joseph A. DiMattia will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Solider On or The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in care of the Dwyer Funeral Home, 776 North St., Pittsfield, MA 01201 in his memory. Donations CANNOT be made online, but may be made through the Dwyer Funeral Home.

Mr. Joseph A. DiMattia

June 12, 1934 - October 7, 2019