James N. DiMaio

West Brookfield- James N. DiMaio passed away peacefully on September 29th, 2025, at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, surrounded by his loving family.

James is survived by his beloved wife of 45 years, Elisabeth E. DiMaio; his sons, Pierre Doda, and his wife Beth, of Meredith, New Hampshire; and Nicholas DiMaio, and his wife Keelin, of Dublin, Ireland. He leaves behind his brother, Bill DiMaio of Newburyport, his two sisters, Claire Trainor of Walpole and Mary-Ellen Cincotta of Ashland. He also has five grandchildren, with another arriving soon, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was born in Boston, son of the late William and Mary (Faldetta) DiMaio.

James graduated from the University of Massachusetts and then went on to earn his Master’s degree in Forestry from Oregon State University. He served two and a half years in the Peace Corps planting trees in Niger, Africa. Shortly upon returning home from this expedition he met his beloved wife Elisabeth, where they spent 45 loving years together.

James served as a Forester for the United States Forest Service for 35 years, traveling across all 50 of the United States. He was also an organic berry and fruit farmer, owning Hunt Road Berry Farm with his family and selling his produce at local markets. Dedicated to his land, he was known for getting up as early as 5:00am to work and not finishing until long after sundown. He stayed active doing what he loved. He had a positive impact on his community through his produce, imparting his knowledge of farming and forestry on the youth who helped him plant and harvest every season. He and Elisabeth enjoyed traveling, both to her homeland in France, Italy and visiting Nick in Ireland.

Calling Hours for James will be held on Saturday, October 4th, 2025, from 1 to 4PM in the Varnum Funeral Home, 43 East Main Street in West Brookfield, MA 01585.  A family only ceremony will be held on Sunday at 11AM in the funeral home.  

An online tribute page is available at www.varnumfuneralhome.com.