Diane M. Iagulli

Ms. Diane M. Iagulli, formerly of Quincy and Waltham, died Friday, August 9, 2024 in Evans Park at Newton Corner. She was 76. 

Born in Waltham on January 18, 1948 she was a daughter of the late Anthony and Alphonsine (Collura) Iagulli. She leaves her sisters, Elizabeth ‘Betty’ Iagulli of Waltham and Mary Ellen Iagulli Castagno (Joseph) of Wayland; aunt of Adam Castagno (Julie) and Tyler Castagno (Claire); great-aunt of Ella, Lucy, Avery and Joey; also survived by many cousins. 

Diane began her career in human services at the Walter E Fernald School in Waltham. Her passion for the people she served was unmatched. Diane attended Boston State College and was successful in moving the children’s respite program and parent training center from the Fernald campus to a community- based location in Cambridge during the early days of the deinstitutionalization movement. There were many families and children at that time receiving no services. Diane and her staff helped these families with children with complex needs improve their skills, that helped to support them to remain living at home. This was a time preceding Chapter 766 when there was no community network for support of any kind. She remembered every kid she served!

Diane went on to a position at the Kennedy Institute in Washington, D.C. where she worked on policy and legislative initiatives that strengthened the foundation for special education and inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities. Diane returned home to Massachusetts, where she had been a fierce advocate for community-based services, inclusion and opportunities. Her passion to legislatively eliminate aversive interventions and to create community homes for adults with significant clinical challenges was formidable.

Diane served as executive Director of Delta Projects, Inc. for decades, was an active member and supporter of industry organizations, including the Association of Developmental Disabilities Providers (ADDP), the Providers Council and MassArc. Diane was a generous volunteer working in partnership with the Department of Developmental Services focusing her tireless energy on human rights and other key initiatives.

Diane had a talent for keeping people close and being a real friend to many. Most notable is her lifelong friendship with the “SpyWagon Girls” of Waltham who continue to gather year after year and share fond and loving memories of their youth. Diane threw a couple of lavish birthday bashes that were legendary. She had a colorful, fun personality and offered her heart to everyone. Diane enjoyed her life outside work, especially through travel, dining, and of course shopping. Diane will be fondly remembered by many. If you met Diane, you would have a personal memory. She was one of a kind, often quirky but unforgettable. You probably have a story you would like to share (or not.) She was truly one-of-a kind and leaves a hole in our field and in our lives. She was a recognized leader in the field and honored to receive multiple awards and professional recognition throughout her life. Her legacy is the positive changes she helped make in the lives of countless individuals with developmental disabilities in the Commonwealth and the significant influence she had on moving the system forward. She will be sorely missed. 

Family and friends will gather to honor and remember Diane’s life on Friday, August 16th in The Cathedral of the Holy Cross, 1400 Washington Street, BOSTON, where her funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Burial is private. There are no calling hours. 

Those wishing to view the broadcast (and recording) of Diane's Mass please use this link: https://my.gather.app/remember/diane-iagulli