Vincent E. DiMilla

DiMilla, Vincent “Vin,” age 91, of Hingham MA, formerly of Bourne and Framingham, passed away peacefully at South Shore Hospital on Saturday, April 13, 2024. He was the loving husband of the late Elizabeth "Betty" (Cook) DiMilla.

Vin was born on July 2, 1932, the middle of three boys, to Mary (Panza) and Pasquale DiMilla.  Alongside his brothers Alfred and Bob, Vin’s childhood in Somerville was shaped by a strong single mother who raised her son to become an amazing man, devoted husband, inspiring educator and loving father.  

After graduating from Somerville High School in 1950, Vin worked as an apprentice electrician for three years before serving in the army during the Korean War. He attended Boston University on the G.I. Bill, graduating in 1960 with a degree in Economics, and then was a partner with his older brother Al at DiMilla’s Shoes in Marlborough. Each Christmas during the shoe store years, Vin donned a classic, red-and-white suit to play Santa Claus at the chamber of commerce holiday celebration. He often reprised St. Nick over the years at public and private gatherings, and most recently for his own grandchildren. The fully accessorized outfit was more than a costume; it was the outer manifestation of Vin’s inner core of true kindness and generosity.

Wanting to further his education, Vin returned to BU in 1964, where he obtained a MEd degree. The next 30 years were spent as a stalwart in the Sudbury Public Schools where he was a beloved elementary teacher, guidance counselor, assistant principal and, finally, principal. At his well-attended retirement party in 1993, school officials presented him with the “keys to the town of Sudbury” and proclaimed the date “Vin DiMilla Day.”

In 1963, the fiancee of Vin’s younger brother Bob followed a hunch and set him up on a blind date with a pretty friend. Betty Cook immediately won Vin over with her down-to-earth nature, home cooking and twinkly blue eyes.  After marrying in 1964, they settled first in Southborough and then made Framingham their home for 30 years where they partnered equally in raising five children. Vin was no average 1960s dad - he changed diapers, cooked meals and washed dishes, even while completing numerous home renovations and building a backyard ice rink every winter. During the mid-70s with little ones still underfoot, Vin somehow managed to obtain another Master’s degree in Counseling and Guidance, from then Framingham State College.  

Vin and Betty always demonstrated a ‘family first’ approach: they made a point of staying in touch with relatives far and wide and didn’t blink at piling kids and coolers into the station wagon to visit favorite New England destinations. A modest summer cottage in Eastham built by Betty’s parents still bears numerous signs of Vin’s handyman efforts and has been the scene of many happy family celebrations that continue to this day. Cape Cod also intensified Vin’s love affair with seafood. Quahogs and soft-shell clams taken right from the beach provided frequent feasts. A 5-pound lobster each year on his birthday became the only acceptable gift and showcased his legendary crustacean dismantling skills.

Always wanting to stay close to the coast, Vin and Betty built a year-round home in 1998 within walking distance of the sea in Bourne, MA, where they hosted family holidays and welcomed grandchildren with open arms. True to form, Vin was ‘hands-on’ even during these later years, substitute teaching in the local schools, staying active in the Knights of Columbus, and helping out on busy weekends at his cousin Richard’s shoe store in Framingham.  During this time, he and Betty also travelled to several bucket-list locations in France, Italy, England, Norway, Aruba and Alaska. 

Vin’s final seven years were spent with Betty at Linden Ponds Retirement Community in Hingham, enjoying meals with neighbors and playing cribbage multiple times each week, a passion until the very end of his life. After Betty’s death last summer, Vin managed day-to-day living surprisingly well, but there was a huge hole in his heart. Their marriage of almost 60 years epitomized the meaning of partnership and gave us all a resounding example of deep, unending love.

Vin is survived by his children Christine Sarfati (and husband Jerry), Peter DiMilla (and wife Jeanine), Andrew DiMilla (and wife Martha), and Julie DiMilla.  He is also survived by his brother Bob (and wife Ann), along with five grandchildren who knew him as ‘Pa’ - Leah, Ben, Luke, Matthew and Jacquelyn - plus many nieces and nephews.  He is predeceased by his wife Betty, son John and brother Al, with whom he has now been joyously reunited.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, April 26 at 10:00am at St. Anne Church, 20 Boston Rd., Southborough, MA followed by burial at the Southborough Rural Cemetery, 11 Cordaville Rd. (Route 85).  

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Vin’s name to the American Heart Association https://www.heart.org/donate, Friends of the Cape Cod National Seashore https://www.fccns.org/, or a charity of your choice. 

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