S. Joseph DiMaggio

MASHPEE — On Saturday, July 5, 2008, at Falmouth Hospital, S. Joseph DiMaggio, 71, succumbed to his nine-year battle with the effects of a massive stroke sustained in 1999. His family announces his passing with sadness, for he will be missed by many, but also knowing that he is finally comfortable and in a better place.

Mr. DiMaggio was born in Boston and raised in Jamaica Plain before coming to Mashpee in the late '70s.

He proudly served in the Marine Corps, from which he was honorably discharged in 1962. From then on, Joe always owned and operated his own contracting businesses, in Dorchester and then on Cape Cod. In 1976, he opened a restaurant/nightclub establishment, Mothers Lounge and Gina's Kitchen, at the historic site of the Hotel Attaquin on Route 130 in the heart of Mashpee. From this site, Joe became ingrained in the town of Mashpee and started many successful business ventures. Aqua Jet Well Drillers and Excavators, MIGI Transportation, Mike's Towing and Service Station, and Mike's BBQ Headquarters were all founded by him and encompassed in his own enterprise known as DiMaggio's Cos. He served the town of Mashpee for many years from his "shop" on Route 130, and over the years was responsible for the town contracts, including operation of school buses, the town fuel and towing contracts, and operation of the Mashpee landfill, which in later years became known as the Town of Mashpee Transfer Station. His charitable endeavors were numerous, and he sat on the building committee for the current Mashpee police station.

Mr. DiMaggio was a member of the Ausonia Council of the Knights of Columbus in the North End of Boston, a past president of the Sons of Italy on Cape Cod Lodge 2404, and a member of the DeWitt/Clinton Masonic Lodge in Sandwich. He was named an honorary deputy sheriff for the town of Barnstable Sheriffs' Department by then-Sheriff Jack DeMello.

Surviving are his wife of 45 years, Alice Gibbons/DiMaggio; six children, Michael J. DiMaggio of Mashpee, Gina M. Dean of Ely, Minn., Angela R. DiMaggio of Mashpee, John Doherty of Mashpee, Domenic DiMaggio of Croyden, N.H., and Pamela Craig of Holbrook; seven sisters, Concetta M. Deluca of Scituate, Margaret E. Bernard of Edmunston, Canada, Patricia D. Hendricks of Mashpee, Catherine L. Leavitt of Palm Beach Fla., Jonnie Rose DiMaggio Clark of Lewiston, Maine, Dominica I. DiMaggio of Dallas, Texas, and Letteria DiMaggio of High Point N.C.; 15 grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Deceased siblings include brothers John, Anthony, and Domenic DiMaggio and sisters Rosemary DiMaggio and Joanna A. DiMaggio Clark.

S. Joseph DiMaggio was many things to many people: "Champ" to his siblings, "Dad" to his children, and "Bamps" to his beloved grandchildren, the "Boss" to many, and friend to many more. His strength, work ethic and zest for life will be well-remembered and sorely missed.

Visitation services will be today at John-Lawrence Funeral Home, 3778 Falmouth Road (Route 28), Marstons Mills, from 4 to 8 p.m. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday at 11 a.m. at the funeral home, with a celebration of Joe's life and gathering at the Sons of Italy Hall in Cotuit to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations in the name of S. Joseph DiMaggio may be made to the Elder Services of Cape Cod and sent to 68 Route 134, South Dennis, MA 02660.