Domenic DiMatteo

Of Newton Upper Falls, passed away Saturday, June 17, 2017 at the Newton-Wellesley Hospital. He was 80 years old.

Born and raised in Capestrano Italy to the late Davide and Carolina (Cantelmi) DiMatteo, Domenic came to the United States with "nothing but the shirt on his back" in 1957. In 1960, Domenic started his own landscape business, Newton Landscape Inc., which later became D & R Landscaping, and finally became DiMatteo Landscaping Inc., in 1997 which his son now runs.

Mr. DiMatteo enjoyed fishing, was a rabbit breading master, and raised his own chickens. He was an avid gardener, growing everything from tomatoes and peppers to his own grapes. Domenic took immense pride in his two family home in Newton Upper Falls and even received a City of Newton Beautification Award.

Domenic will be remembered as a feisty, strong-willed, but most of all, kind man. He was the type of person brought out the best in people and will be missed by his family and many friends.

He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Giannina Sylvana (Pierdomenico) DiMatteo, his devoted son David DiMatteo and his wife Lisa (LaBella) of Waltham, his cherished grandsons Domenic, Matthew, and Daniel DiMatteo all of Waltham, and his sisters Anna Amelia and her husband Ralph of Waltham, and Angela Fontecchio and her husband Remo of Needham. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

He was the brother of the late Ilda and Gino DiMatteo.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend funeral services from the Mary Catherine Chapel of Brasco & Sons 773 Moody St., WALTHAM, Thursday at 9 a.m. with a Mass of Christian Burial at Mary Immaculate of Lourdes Church, 270 Eliot St., Newton at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow at St. Mary Cemetery in Needham. Visiting hours will be held Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m. Parking attendants will be on duty.