Fiore D. DiGiovine

Fiore D. DiGiovine, called 'Dee' by most and fondly known as "Mr D." by his children's friends, died peacefully in his own home on Monday, May 6, 2019. He was 92.

He was born on April 28, 1927 in Watertown a son of the late Italian immigrants Felice and Maria (Zaccagnini) DiGiovine. A graduate of Watertown High School with the class of 1945 he was the youngest of three boys all who proudly served in WWII. Called to report to duty his senior year of high school he served in the United States Navy. He then graduated from Massachusetts Institute of Technology with a Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering.


He worked at Boston Woven Hose from 1951–1971 and Plymouth Rubber Company from 1971-2007 where he served as Vice President of Manufacturing and Engineering. He was extremely proud of the work he had done with the DEP and EPA as part of his role at Plymouth Rubber Company. He retired from there at the age of 80.

His family and friends will miss his stories about his parents coming over on the boat, WWII, the Great Depression, all the paisans, pushing a car up hills both ways in the snow, the garage he and his brothers built, graduating from MIT, many stories about work, and life raising 5 children on his own. His countless stories, often repeated so many times you could recite them backward, are impossible to forget. His stories about the importance of family, education and respect will forever be cherished and will live on for generations to come. He led by example. His work ethic he instilled in his children and grandchildren will never be forgotten — you earn respect not demand it, and you treat people equally.

He is predeceased by his brothers, Salvatore and Anthony DiGiovine and his former wife, Eva Alessandri.

Fiore leaves his children, Donna J. DiGiovine (Fred Baumert), Daniel J. DiGiovine, David M. DiGiovine, all of Westford, Dana G. DiGiovine of Waltham, Diane L. Giannini (Philip) of Tyngsborough; his grandchildren Anthony, Samantha, Domenic and Damien; sisters-in-law Florence DiGiovine of Waltham and Mary DiGiovine of Watertown; also survived by many nieces and nephews who have always held a special place in his heart.

Family and friends will honor and remember Fiore's life by gathering for calling hours on Friday, May 10th from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street, Waltham, and again on Saturday at 10 a.m. before leaving in procession to Saint Mary's Church, 133 School Street, Waltham, where his Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Burial with military honors will follow in Saint Patrick Cemetery, Watertown.

Memorial donations may be made to Charitable Foundation Mass General Cancer Center at Newton-Wellesley, 2014 Washington Street, Newton, MA 02462.