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Yale University

FUNERAL HOME

Andrew J. Magni & Son Funeral Home

365 Watertown Street, Rt. 16

Newton, Massachusetts

John DiDuca Obituary

67, of New Haven, CT, formerly of Newton, died unexpectedly on September 16, 2007 while on safari in South Africa. Born in Rome, Italy, to Francesco and R. Ernestina (Rossi), Mr. DiDuca came to the United States in 1956. He worked in the construction trades for many years as a general contractor before his retirement in 2000. A Master Craftsman, Mr. DiDuca participated in the restoration of many historic buildings on the Yale University Campus, as well as St. Aidan's Church in New Haven, CT. At the age of 50, Mr. DiDuca fulfilled his childhood dream of learning to fly and earned his private pilot's license. He spent many hours flying throughout the United States with family and friends. He was also an avid outdoorsman, enjoying nature, fishing, hunting, traveling and spending time with his family, especially his six beloved grandchildren. The husband of the late Donna Wedge, Mr. DiDuca leaves his wife of twenty-one years, Marilyn Krivitsky, his sons John Michael and his wife Jackie (Aniello), of Framingham, MA; Joseph, of Newton; Christopher and his wife Elizabeth (Platt) of Mt. Pocono, PA; his stepdaughters Dawn Schilling and her husband Mark of Avon, CT and Patricia Reed and her husband Jack, of Canton, GA. He also leaves his parents, Francesco and Ernestina of Newton, MA; his brothers and sister-in-law, Bruno and Joanne DiDuca, and Phillip DiDuca, both of Waltham, his grandchildren Francesco and Alexander DiDuca, Haley Reed, Madison, Victoria and William Schilling, many dear nieces and nephews, especially Nick DiDuca of Waltham, many God-children, especially Nick and Grant Woollacott, Daniel Montague and Dominique Bushong, many cousins and friends. He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus, CT 3rd Degree, Park Friends of New Haven, Cessna Pilots Association, CAPA (CT Aircraft Pilot's Association), Young Eagles of America and many other wildlife, aviation and charitable Associations. He was a communicate of St. Brendan's Catholic Church, New Haven, CT. Funeral from the Andrew J. Magni & Son F.H., 365 Watertown St, Rt. 16, NEWTON, Wednesday, Sept. 26, at 9:30AM. Followed by a Funeral Mass in Our Lady Help of Christians Church, Newton, at 10:30AM. Interment in Newton Cemetery. Visiting hours Tuesday, Sept. 25, from 3-8pm. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to the John DiDuca Wildlife Fund, c/o the Village Bank, 411 Watertown Street, Newton, MA 02458; or 433 Central Av, New Haven, CT 06515. magnifuneralhome.com

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Published by Boston Globe from Sep. 23 to Sep. 25, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for John DiDuca

21 Entries

joe richards

September 18, 2019

I do not have a stronger memory than the memory of having my great friend John

Grant Woollacott

June 5, 2008

Thinking of you today.....

Alicia DiDuca

February 13, 2008

I still miss and think of my Uncle everyday. I wanted to post and share with everyone, what I wrote and read on the day of his funeral.

Good morning and thank you all for coming.

My uncle John was very special to so many people. He came to this country as a teenager, full of enthusiasm and ready to start a new life. He was hard working, generous and a very social person. Uncle John was an inspiration , as well as a role model to his two younger brothers . He found joy in the company of family and friends.

I think we all could go on and on about my uncle John. We could write volumes about his accomplishments, but the best way I can describe Uncle John is through my own experiences , which I would like to share with you today.

John DiDuca was a son, a husband, a father, an uncle, a grandfather, a god-father, a plumber, a carpenter, a mason and a mechanic. He just did it all, as well as find time to hunt, fish and fly planes! My brother, Nick, recalls on his many hunting expeditions that no time was wasted. Uncle John kept everybody well organized, well fed, with a practical joke and prank to boot.

One of my youngest memories of my uncle was our trip to New York City. Uncle John had a way of making me feel special by even the smallest gestures. At the age of five he bought me my very first set of gems. My New York jewels consisted of a frosty the snowman pin, which I wear every Christmas even to this day.

I have very fond memories of all the plane rides with my uncle . Hopping into his truck, the feeling of excitement and anticipation grew as we approached the airport. In Uncle John's Cessna- everyone flew first class. He was always very accommodating, flying me back and forth to Massachusetts more times that I can count. As a young woman, I can now really appreciate the quality time and effort he spent making me and all of his nieces, nephews, and grandchildren feel special.

Uncle John will always be remembered as a very generous person. More recently, I recall coming home from college to find a block of cheese and bag of bread on the counter. A sure sign that my uncle had stopped by. His thoughtfulness showed me near or far, your family is always with you.

My last memory of my uncle was a little less than a month ago. Our annual Girl trip to New York was off to an early start. That morning my uncle made us a pancake breakfast. Leaving the house that day, it occurred to me how thoughtful that was of him. How special a husband my aunt had.

My uncle was not afraid to try new things. He was a successful man that accomplished everything he wanted to . He traveled frequently and never lived a dull moment. He fished and hunted every chance he got and spent his time with the people he loved. I know my uncle would want to be remembered for his smile, joke-ster personality, witty ness, and out right love and devotion for his family and friends.

* Alicia DiDuca*

Joseph Richards

December 25, 2007

Still, after 3 months I continue to mentally process the loss of my dear friend John. I picture him in heaven, sitting on a bench waiting for his wife and family...maybe telling hunting and fishing stories to his friends whom are there already or maybe even experiencing and understanding the love of our God. I continue to try to make myself at ease this way so as to not hurt so much from missing him.

The good news....he left us with good teeth and has a new smile for all of his new friends!

I was luckier than everyone else too. I had his attention and his companionship his last summer, working with him everyday to remodel one of my apartments. I cannot describe how much i have always enjoyed working with him, being with him, drinking morning coffee together, talking openly about our experiences, construction jobs and life. John could out work anyone and did every time.

The hammer story: During this last summer together, one of the subcontractors mistakenly packed up and took John's hammer. John was upset and angry the first day and sad the second and third day about this. While working on the 3rd day, i smacked my thumb with a hammer while trying to hit a nail. The pain was intense and while i orbitted around John yelling and holding my thumb, John smiled and explained to me that what i was feelings was the reason he missed his hammer...that his lost hammer was familiar to his hand and he did not hit his thumb with his lost hammer but was expecting to hit is thumb a few times with a new hammmer (which was nor familiar to his hand). While his story did nothing for my pain, i contacted the subcontractor and eventually got John's hammer returned....just to prevent John from having to go through the pain i had experienced. I will always remember his facial expression and sad lookof fear for having to "break in" a new hammer ...on his thumb.

John loved his wife. He loved his sons. He loved his daughters and all of his grand children. There were always great stories and chuckles from John about his wife and family. John said many times that the end justified the means because in the end his boys were experiencing their lives in a good way that he was proud of.

John loved and cared about people. He was full of second chances to so many, giving them work to help pull themselves out of their problems, scolding them to change their directions and giving himself to steer a confused child. This was John...always giving.

To close, John is not gone, he is just in a different place. He is a continuous gift to me because of so many good memories and stories which will bring a tear or I will use to draw from (or both). I am fortunate and thankful to know him and have been influenced by him.

I will see him again someday.

Corrine Schlessel

December 12, 2007

Marilyn, having just spoken to you, you know how stunned I am upon learning of John's death.
I am deeply sorry at the tragic and sad news- and offer you and your very large and loving family, my sincere regrets and condolences.
May the many happy memories you have, ease your pain and sustain you with the passing of time.
Corrine Schlessel Woodbridge, CT.

Me Thinking About My God-Father In A Better Place

Rahnique

December 6, 2007

Uncle John is what i called him.... He was my God-Father... I only wish I had one last chance to see him to tell him goodbye and how much I Love Him... He never got the chance to see my daughter, but I know he is in a better place... I now regret not seeing him more often as I grew older. I love you Uncle John RIP I Love U 2 Auntie M

December 6, 2007

JOYCE FERRUCCI (PASTELOK)

November 18, 2007

MY DEEPEST AND DEAREST PRAYERS GO OUT TO HIS WIFE AND FAMILY. I ONLY KNEW JOHN FOR A SHORT WHILE. HIS SON CHRIS WAS MY SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL BOYFRIEND. THE FAMILY WAS ALWAYS KIND TO ME. GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU AND REMEMBER JOHN WILL ALWAYS BE WITH US.

Laurence Nadel

October 22, 2007

John was one of the noblest and finest people I have known—a person who always stood up to whatever responsibility came his way, and took charge of it until it was resolved. I knew him as deeply devoted to his three sons, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, and particularly his wife, Marilyn. Although John was taken by surprise from all of us much earlier than he should have been, we were all fortunate to have had him in our lives. To my wife, Susan Bryson [who like Marilyn, thought of him as uncommonly handsome and virile] and to me, he was a good and devoted friend. We will miss him.

Ellen Bevan

October 8, 2007

I celebrate the life of John Di Duca and offer my deepest sympathies to Marilyn, his loving wife. John and Marilyn were like family to me, and to pretty much everyone whose lives they touched. I cannot imagine a world without John in it and know that his spirit lives on in the hearts of all those whose lives he touched.

I met John and Marilyn when I lived in Connecticut from 1989-1991 and we have remained friends ever since. No words can describe the depth of this friendship, which has endured much sadness, many hardships and challenges in health and work, but also much laughter, late night conversations, good stories, advice and counsel, and shared experiences. It is a testimony to the enduring love that both John and Marilyn engender that a separation of many miles has not lessened the friendship but has deepened it. I can only hope that somewhere John is still watching over his "Helen" as "Johnny on the Spot."

Grant Woollacott

October 4, 2007

I will never forget you Uncle John. I know you're flying your plane up in heaven and watching over us. You're under new managment.

Dallas Rodriguez

October 4, 2007

There will never be a man who walks on this earth like John DiDuca. That is why I am so proud to say that he is the Godfather to both my sons. Grant, Nicolas and I will never forget you.

Dan Montague

October 1, 2007

There are no words to describe the life and persona of a man like John. One could try, yes, but John, as a man, was bigger than any amount of words could ever hope to capture.

John and Marilyn are the two most important people in my life; I owe them everything -everything I am, everything I have and everything I will be. John showed me what real work was, he showed me how a man is supposed to carry and compose himself. Every morning I get up and look at myself in the mirror, I think, "what would I be looking at if it wasn't for John and Marilyn?"

These two people are responsible for the life I live today, and I would gladly spend the next one-hundred years trying to repay them for all they have done for me.

I am saddened by the loss of John, and my heart aches for Marilyn, but these feelings are overpowered by the feelings of love and family. John, in his life and with the help of his lovely wife, Marilyn, have put together the biggest and most supportive family I have ever seen, and I know that, while this loss is tragic, it will bring this family closer together.

I do not mourn for John, instead, I choose to celebrate him. He was a father to me, and I believe John is best honored with pride, happiness and dedication to family.

Gayle Bauer

September 29, 2007

To the whole DiDuca family I send my deepest sympathy. I knew John because his brother Bruno is married to my cousin Joanne (more like sisters we are). My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family. Marilyn, stay strong. Love and prayers from California.

Louis Britt

September 26, 2007

Well what do you say about a man that you have so much respect for. He was the type of man you could meet one time and you had a friend. I will miss all the times that we used to sit aroud the camp fire and tell stories and smoke those cigars. I'll miss his calls on the phonetelling me to have someone to pick him up at the airport because he had some time and just felt like coming down to stay a few days.He really loved to come down and spend time with us down here.Especially thanks for the time that you allowed him to spend with my dad. him and John always had a good time when they were together just shooting the breezewhile sitting under the pecan trees. Things will never be the same with out him but we will just have to remember the time that we had together with him. Thanks to the family for letting me be a part of such a great man and friends life. He made me and my family feel as though we were part of his family.Hope to keep in touch with his wife and kids.

Denise Colantoni

September 25, 2007

I have also felt your loss. Hold onto all your memories for they will sustain you in the weeks and months ahead. So many years have passed for me, and my memories still make me smile. Love Denise

Lee and Denise Britt

September 24, 2007

I've only met John once, but my husband (Lee) and the boys (Dustin and Jordan) knew John very well. Many nights they have spent with John and Chris along with the rest of the crew that come down to hunt in North Carolina. Lee has always enjoyed his company and spending time at the hunting club him. He was just talking tonight about how much he thought of John as a second father and Chris as a brother. I know how much he was looking foward to seeing them come down this year.

As for Dustin, John will forever remain in his memory. We were cleaning out the closet in his room this past Tuesday going through old clothes and shoes. I had pulled out a pair of camouflage boots that John had given Dustin. He has so many pair that I never would have thought he could tell the difference in them. However, as soon as I picked them up...Dustin said "Mama, those are the boots John gave me. I'm gonna keep those wether they fit me or not." With that he placed them back in his closet. After that he turned to finish going back through the rest of his things..and said "You know, I don't think I ever shook John's hand." When I askd what he did he simply replied..."He always gave me a hug and said here is the bucatini man." He and Jordan both loved it when John and Hugo fixed bucatini.

I would also like to say thank you for opening your home to Lee and Dustin when they came up hunting. They speak often of memories going up to hunt, especially this past week.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family during this time. We will miss having him here with us.

Mark & Anita Thompson

September 24, 2007

We send our deepest sympathy and condolences to the DiDuca family. The world has lost a fine man and true sportsman. I am proud to say that I can call him my friend and he will be truly missed. You are all in our prayers.
The Thompson's

JoAnn O'Neil (Michelon)

September 24, 2007

I Celebrate Johns life,remember him for all the wonderful things he has done for one & all.
John lived his life on his terms, including leaving us doing exacting what he loved. We all should follow his lead.

Dino Rossi

September 24, 2007

John was like a second Dad to me. He was one of the people I most looked up to. His hard work ethics and investing in Real Estate were several of the qualities that I took from him. I always used John as a example when asked by others how and what inspired me to get into real estate.

Growing up 4 or 5 house away from the DiDuca's since the age of 5 had many memorable moments. John and Donna were the COOL parents in the neighborood. They were the ones that would take us to rarely visited places such as McDonalds and other fast food establishments. They were always involved in our activities. John would help us with our school & Boy Scout projects allowing to bring in some deer antlers that were given to us in one peice and returned to him in two pieces and still not killing us. Donna would design and color our T Shirts for our backyard football teams.

John was the type of Dad that would look at us fully knowing what we were doing and just shake his head back and forth back and forth and just walk away. When he got angry every body part moved and so did we. Thankfully I was really fast and would run to my house. Unfortunately for Michael he had to stay.

Marilyn was really good for John. I'm glad that she was able to get John to do all the traveling that he deserved to do. Many from this generation did not understand what was to follow hard work later in life. She guided him and he appeared to not resist. Together they covered a lot of territory. When John got your ear he would share all these trips and upcoming trips with you. My wife Cindy's last memories of John were from Frankie's 2nd Birthday party in June. This is how I learned about where John died and who was with him. John had a hour long conversation with Cindy about this trip. He was soooo excited about this trip. When I told Cindy what happened she was the one that told me that Marilyn was not on this trip. I had assumed that Marilyn was with him.

He died what he loved doing!! I can't imagine he suffered. What a way to go!!!!!

I could go on and on!! John and the entire DiDuca Family, THANK YOU for all your Love, Inspiration and Guidance through the years.

With Love Your Other Son Dino

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