Family was his greatest joy
SWAMPSCOTT — Joseph F. DiPietro of Swampscott tragically passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, February 16 at the age of 70.
He was born in Boston on November 30, 1954 to the late Mary Grace DiPietro and Frank DiPietro. Joseph spent his formative years in Somerville. He pursued his education at Suffolk University where he earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees between 1974 and 1981. After completing his Master’s, Joe made Somerville his home and started his family with his former wife Linda Croke-DiPietro. While starting a family, Joe obtained his doctorate in Psychology and moved to Melrose with his new family where he lived for a majority of his life.
Joe was deeply committed to his career in psychology, serving as the Director of Outpatient Psychiatry at Salem Hospital for 24 years. Additionally, he was a psychology professor in the graduate program at Salem State University and maintained a private practice, helping many throughout his distinguished career.
Family was Joe’s greatest joy. As the eldest of his siblings, he shared a bond with them that extended beyond mere sibling ties; they were his closest friends throughout his life. Joe was a devoted father to his son Christopher and his daughters Marisa and Kaleigh. He took immense pride in his children, always serving as a calming and loving presence in their lives. His love of family extended to the next generation where he proudly embraced the cherished role of “Papa” which brought him unparalleled joy. His grandchildren were the highlight of his life, filling his days with laughter and love. He was eagerly anticipating his trip to North Carolina to meet his newest grandson on February 18.
Those who had the privilege of knowing Joe recognized him as a quiet yet strong, stubborn yet funny, adventurous yet deeply caring man. His infamous bear hugs had a way of mending any situation. He held a profound love for those close to him and is deeply missed. His legacy will live on through his children and grandchildren.
Joseph is survived by his beloved children Christopher DiPietro and his wife Danielle of Stoneham; Marisa Canavan and her husband Joe of Reading; and Kaleigh Lamb and her husband Joey of Kitty Hawk, NC. He was a proud grandfather to Finley, Logan, Gianna and Quinn. He is also survived by his siblings Michael DiPietro and his wife Christine of Reading; Maria DiPietro Bayus and her late husband Kazim of Marblehead; and Frank DiPietro and Ann Fanning of Attleboro along with his nieces and nephews Lidia Bayus, Ava Bayus, Anna DiPietro, Alex DiPietro and Ainsley DiPietro.
Visitation will take place on Sunday, February 23 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St., Melrose. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, February 24 at 10 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church, Herbert St., Melrose. Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. To sign online guestbook go to gatelyfh.com.