June 9, 1933 ~ December 29, 2022
Joseph DiGiovanni, age 89, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 29, 2022. He was the beloved husband of the late Mary F. (Travers) DiGiovanni, with whom he shared 58 wonderful years of marriage prior to her passing last year.
Born in Boston on June 9, 1933, he was the son of the late Joseph and Marie (Rossetti) DiGiovanni. Joe grew up in Medford and graduated from Medford High School. He then attended Northeastern University and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering. After graduation, Joe was employed by the Perini Corporation as a supervisory engineer working on large marine, underground, and heavy construction projects in and around Boston. He later would go on to own his own construction company while simultaneously completing his law degree at New England School of Law in the evenings. Upon being admitted to the bar, Joe began a 27-year career as an attorney for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. By the time Joe retired in 1996 he had attained the role of New England Division Chief Counsel supervising a staff of attorneys and support staff that provided contractual guidance and legal counsel for the Corps civil and military engineering and construction projects including EPA Superfund work and environmental restoration. Even after retirement Joe remained engaged in his legal work, serving as an arbiter for the American Arbitration Association where he presided over numerous construction related disputes and claims.
In his free time Joe was an active member of many groups, such as the Lynnfield Lions Club where he served as President, the Italian American Charitable Society, and he was President of the Federal Bar Association Boston Chapter. He taught law classes at Northeastern University at night for a period of time in the 1980s. Joe also served in the Army Reserve from 1957 to 1965. He enjoyed fishing, listening to music, dancing, playing pool, or even something as simple as meeting with a friend to enjoy a cup of coffee. However, nothing was more important in his life than his wife, four children, and twelve grandchildren. He spent every moment he could attending their activities, spoiling them, and making lasting memories that he cherished dearly. Joe was a patient, kind, modest, easy going, and level headed man. He lived a full life, filled with love and appreciation for his beautiful family and many friends, and devotion to his Catholic faith.
Surviving Joe are his children, Diane DeLaney and her husband Dennis of the North End, Joseph DiGiovanni III and his wife Daniela of NH, Karen DeAngelis and her husband David of Groton, and Mark DiGiovanni and his wife Maureen of ME; his grandchildren, Sean, Steven, Maximillian, James, Joseph Vincent, Joseph Andrew, Cecilia, Mia, Sofia, Veronica, Owen, and Grace; his sister, Anna Kissinger of Medford; his siblings in law, Julie Angers of Worcester, Magdalene White of Webster, Richard Serra of FL, as well as many other dear nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Arrangements: Friends and family are invited to call on Friday, January 6th from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the Cota Funeral Home, 335 Park Street, N. Reading. His Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, January 7th at 10:30 a.m. at St. Athanasius Church, 300 Haverhill St., Reading. Burial will immediately follow at Woodend Cemetery, Reading. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The Mary DiGiovanni Human Services Scholarship at Northern Essex Community College. Donations can be made via check or online (necc.mass.edu/giving) to: The NECC Foundation, 100 Elliott St., Haverhill, MA 01830. Please write (The Mary DiGiovanni Human Services Scholarship) on the memo line or in the comments for online giving.
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