District Chief Joseph DiLiddo

Retired Worcester Fire District Chief Joseph A. DiLiddo, 97, the oldest living Worcester fire department retiree, passed away peacefully Tuesday, February 27th 2018 with his family gathered at his side. Joe was born in Worcester, January 11th 1921, one of three children of Giaquinto “George” and Rosa (Silvestris) DiLiddo.  A gifted athlete, standout hockey player and Captain, he graduated from North High School.  In 1941, Joe married his love, Angelina D’Errico and began their life.  Soon thereafter, World War II broke out and Joe then joined the U.S. Army in November of 1942, serving his country proudly as a member of the 10th Armored Division under General Patton in the Rhineland, Ardennes and Central Europe, notably as part of D-Day and the Battle of the Bulge campaigns.  Upon discharge from the service he returned home; reunited with Angie, they then continued their life in love, devotion and family for the next 72 years, until Angie passed away in 2015.  Joe continued to live in the family home until recently.  Joe served the citizens of Worcester as a firefighter for over 33 years, working up to the day he turned 65 and forced to retire in 1986.  Appointed in 1953, he served on several Engine and Ladder Companies, along with several special divisions rising in the ranks until he was appointed District Chief, Car 3.  Loved as a firefighter and officer, his men would work and praise him for his leadership and dedication to them and the fire department under his command.  He continued to be a part of the department as a retiree for as long as he could.  When not on duty with the department, Joe worked for his brother-in-law at Tom’s Market, continuing to serve customers with a smile.  He is survived by his daughters, Rosemarie Rodio of Webster and Arlene DiLiddo Bragg and her husband Terry of North Grafton; his son-in-law, Charles Butkus of North Grafton; eight cherished grandchildren, Charles Butkus Jr, David and Steven Butkus, Wendy Kelly, Joseph Rodio, Ellen Therrien, Todd and Angela Bragg; 16 Great Grandchildren; Many nieces, including Sharon Dubrule who was like a daughter to Joe, nephews, extended family and friends; A daughter, Madelyn Butkus, son-in-law, Joseph Rodio, brother, George “Chip” DiLiddo and sister, Anna Mastroio all predeceased him.  Joe was a member of Our Lady of Mt Carmel Parish, the International Brotherhood of Fire Fighters Union Local 1009, East Side Post 201 American Legion, Pope John Council K of C, Worcester Fire Relief, Fire Dept Credit Union, and WFD Retiree’s Association.  He enjoyed walking, normally 3.5 miles a day at Lake Park until he couldn’t physically do it anymore, watching all Boston sports teams, especially the Bruins, and completing complex jigsaw puzzles.  Joe was a beautiful soul who devoted his life to his family and the Worcester Fire Department. Always with a strong handshake and bright broad smile, every person who met him loved him from the beginning.  Friends and relatives are invited to calling hours Monday, March 5th from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St.  His funeral will be held, Tuesday, March 6th from the funeral home with a procession to Our Lady of Loreto Church, 33 Massasoit Rd where his celebration of life mass will be held at 10:00 am.  Burial with U.S. Army Honors will follow in St John Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Worcester Firemen’s Relief Association, 141 Grove Street, Worcester, MA 01605.