James G. Diconza

James G. DiConza, 62, of Leominster, died peacefully Tuesday, April 22, 2008, surrounded by his family, in his home, after an illness. He was born September 25, 1945, in Fitchburg, son of the late Joseph M. and Ellen G. (McGuinness) DiConza. Mr. DiConza was part of the first graduating class at Saint Anthony School in 1959. He graduated from Fitchburg High School, attended Becker Junior College, and graduated from the Ward School of Business. He completed Finance Investment Studies with the American Institute of Finance in New York City, and banking courses with the American Institute of Banking. Mr. DiConza served the banking industry for 40 years, and was CEO and Treasurer of People's Community Credit Union until its 2006 merger with Workers' Credit Union.

He served in the United States Army Reserves and was a member of the Worcester County Deputy Sheriff's Association as well as the Fitchburg Sportsmen's Club, where he enjoyed fishing and target shooting. In the past, he was also active in the Montachusett American Cancer Society, the United Way Campaigns, and the March of Dimes.

Mr. DiConza was a loving husband and father, and he enjoyed spending time with his family. He will always be remembered for his compassionate, caring, and helpful ways, and his willingness to help family, friends, and customers. He had a wonderful smile and a heart of gold, and he had a natural way of making people feel comfortable. He was a standout baseball player as a youth and at Fitchburg High School, tried out for the Red Sox, and played on many softball teams over the years. He also played basketball for Becker Junior College, enjoyed golfing, and was an avid Boston Red Sox and Dallas Cowboys fan. He enjoyed playing piano, guitar, and accordion. He leaves his wife of 38 years, Marianne K. (Lanczycki) DiConza; his daughter, Suzanne L. Huizenga and her husband Jared D. of Worcester; two brothers, Joseph L. DiConza and his wife Deanne L., John M. DiConza and his wife Patricia A., all of Leominster; one sister, Mary E. Gabriele and her husband Ronald of Fitchburg; and many nieces and nephews as well as grandnieces and grandnephews.

The funeral will be held Friday, April 25th, from Brandon Funeral Home, 305 Wanoosnoc Rd., Fitchburg, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 A.M. at Saint Anthony de Padua Church, 84 Salem St., Fitchburg. Burial will follow in Saint Bernard's Cemetery. Calling hours are Thursday, April 24th, from 4:00 to 8:00 P.M. in the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Saint Anthony Church Restoration Fund, 84 Salem St., Fitchburg, MA 01420, or to Diversified Home Services, 25 Tucker Drive, Leominster, MA 01453.