Umberto DiGioia

Umberto Di Gioia, 73, of Worcester, passed away peacefully April 11, 2012, at home surrounded by his loving family. He leaves his wife of 40 years, Gabriella (Oppizio) Di Gioia; 4 children, Mariangela Romeo and her husband Tony of Sutton; Roberta Johnson and her husband Jason of Dudley; Marcello Di Gioia and his wife Julie of Worcester and Alessandro Di Gioia of Worcester. He also leaves his eight beloved grandchildren, Gianluca, Isabella, Cristiano, Francesca, Samuel, Stella, Adriano and Elaina. He is survived by his two sisters; Antonia Milan and her husband Giovanni (pre-deceased) of Naples, Fl., Rosa Frongillo and her husband Roberto of Naples, Fl., 4 brothers, Leo Di Gioia of Naples, Fl., Tommaso Di Gioia and his wife Kathy of Worcester, Gino Di Gioia and his wife Kim of Worcester; and Mario Di Gioia and his wife Marilyn of Worcester .He had many nieces and nephews whom he enjoyed and cherished. Umberto was born in Bisceglie, Italy to the late Pietro and Angelina (De Cillis) Di Gioia. Umberto was a Registered Architect and received his formal education and training in Italy. For 50 years, Umberto devoted his life to a very rewarding career. He worked with Gio Ponti, in Milan on many projects including the Denver Museum, Denver, CO; St. Francis Church, Milan and the Taranto Cathedral, Taranto, Italy. With Luigi Moretti, in Rome he worked on the Watergate Building, Washington, D.C; and the Master Plan of the Appian Way. After immigrating to the United States in 1971, he settled in Worcester and continued his career in Boston. In the late 70's early 80's, Umberto worked for Brown and Daltas where he contributed to the King Khalid Military City, Saudi Arabia. While working for Sumner Schein and Associates in Cambridge Ma, he was Project Manager on many malls in NH, CT, MA, and FL. Umberto's longtime dream of owning his own company came true in 1987 where he founded Umberto Di Gioia and Associates. At this time he was involved in several apartment buildings, three religious projects and numerous commercial and residential projects. From 1994-2007, Umberto was construction administrator with Arrowstreet Inc. where he worked on The Worcester Fashion Outlets, The Solomon Pond in Marlborough and several Hoyts Cinemas. Umberto was passionate about traveling. He also enjoyed working outside in his garden, reading and spending time with his children and grandchildren. He was a kind and gentle man and will be missed by all who loved him. Umberto's family would like to thank Dr. Agiomavritis, Ann Marie Savasta, Dr. Bathini and staff for their warm and caring support during his course of treatment. We would also like to thank his friends and family for all their support during this difficult time. Umberto's wife and children would like to also thank The VNA/Hospice network for their care. Donations can be made to JDRF at www.jdrf.org. Calling hours for Mr. Di Gioia will be held on Sunday, April 15, from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. in MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester. A Memorial Service will follow immediately after calling hours at 6 p.m. in the funeral home.