James J. Diotalevi

1940 - 2021

James Joseph Diotalevi of Wilbraham ,80, was called peacefully home to the Lord on February 3rd, 2021 surrounded by his loving family. He was a devout Catholic filled with love, faith, hard work and family. Born on April 3rd, 1940 he was the beloved son of Leo and Sarah (Clyne) Diotalevi Sr.
Jim grew up in Wilbraham, attended grammar school at St. Matthew’s Catholic School, and entered Wilbraham’s Memorial School for his ninth year. He graduated from Springfield’s Technical High School, was on the swimming team and held many records in the butterfly competition which were not broken until many years later.
Jim attended University of CT but decided after two years to start his own business under the guidance of Charlie Hough of Wilbraham who owned Belcher Oil Company- his wholesaler. Over the years, he created a great business for himself and his family. The first two years he made all the oil deliveries himself and serviced the burners. He was young but had a drive to do well. He gained respect, and with other oil dealers, Jim formed the Western MA Fuel Dealers Association. They donated equipment and help for NEFI Technical School where they set up a teaching and training center in Springfield.
In the early eighties, Jim became a member of both New England Fuel Institute and the Better Home Heat Council. He later served as Director of both trade groups. From 1989 – 1991, he was chosen as Director for the Better Home Heat Council. A distinguished honor awarded to him for his hard work and knowledge. In 2017, he was indoctrinated in the “Legends of Oilheat” at an awards dinner at Mechanics Hall in Worcester.
Jim leaves his beloved wife Patricia (Patti) Szczebak Diotalevi of 60 years this September and said always she was his first secretary. Jim also leaves his four loving children and one special daughter in law; James Jr. of Wilbraham, Edward and his wife Carol Ann of Hampden, Tamara Diotalevi of Wilbraham and Kymberly Diotalevi of Atlanta, GA, his “Georgia Peach,” and her special friend Camilo Torres.
Jim was predeceased by his brother Leo Diotalevi, Jr. and his wife Irene.
He leaves his two loving sisters; Mrs. Mary Ryczek and her family and Mrs. Margaret Thompson and her family. He had many fond memories of their late husbands; Mr. Eugene Ryczek and Mr. Bruce Thompson. Jim also leaves many nieces and nephews at Cape Cod, Arizona, Florida, California and Longmeadow.
Jim leaves four grandchildren whom he cherished and was so proud of - attending many hockey, football, soccer, and baseball games and golf matches; Christopher Ott, a Springfield Fireman and his friend Nicole Shannahan, Anthony Ott, a Springfield Policeman and his friend Sofia Capua, Samantha Kakley and her husband Justin Kakley, Michael Diotalevi, a graduate of Siena College and employed by Goldman Sachs. A special baby girl and great granddaughter was born in October, Sicilia Joyce Kakley, born to Samantha and Justin. Jim was so overjoyed.
“JimmyD” as he was called, left many male friends. You know who you are, the ones that kept company with him, took him on rides, brought books to read and just spent time with him. Thank you so much.
Two of his best friends are his sons; Jim, Jr. the oil dispatcher in the business, Edward, service manager and equipment estimator and daughter Tamara, customer service representative.
Jim had a powerful strength and instilled in his children and grandchildren an admirable work ethic to strive always. He loved and respected all his employees and business associates. He had fond feelings for all his new friends at Orchard Valley in Wilbraham.
Jim was a longtime communicant of St. Cecilia Church and a member of their Knights of Columbus. He also belonged to the Hampden-Wilbraham Rotary Club, the Ludlow Country Club and the YMCA.
Family and friends are invited to Jim’s Funeral Mass at 10AM on Saturday, April 10th (his 81st birthday week) at St. Cecilia Church. There are no calling hours due to Coronavirus.
Wilbraham Funeral Home, 2551 Boston Rd., Wilbraham is in charge of arrangements. Thank you to them for attending to our needs.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Jim’s honor to: St. Cecilia Church, 42 Main St., Wilbraham, MA 01095 or to St. Jude’s Children Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.