Robert J. Diperrio

Biography
HOLDEN – Robert J. DiPerrio, Sr., 85, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 14, 2017 at James A. Haley Veteran’s Hospital in Tampa, Florida. Born and raised in Holden, Bob was the son of Italian immigrants, Biaggio and Antonietta (D’Amato) DiPerrio and attended Holden Schools.
Bob was self employed at a young age and operated a construction company in Holden for several years. In 1951, he enlisted in the U.S Navy Reserve and was immediately assigned to the Navy’s Seabees whose motto is “We Build, We Fight.” In 1968, Bob’s battalion, the MCB12, was activated and sent to Vietnam. After returning home in 1969, he was honorably discharged but reenlisted and served in the U.S. Navy Reserve until 1985.
Bob was strong in body and spirit, and was self-made and self-reliant. His word was his bond and everyone knew it. Bob was hard working, a wonderful provider for his family and a terrific friend.  His loyalty to his family and friends ran deep and he always looked forward to helping them in any way he could.  Bob was self-employed  and owned and operated R. DiPerrio Construction Co. in Holden. It has been said that Bob loved his community and “left an indelible footprint on every road in Holden.”  Regardless of how busy he was running his family business, he always found time for his family and friends.  Bob and his wife Ellie, enjoyed the last several winters together at their home in Zephyrhills, Florida. He will be missed for his dry sense of humor, engaging blue eyes and tenacious nature.
He will be affectionately remembered and missed by his wife of 34 years, Eleanor P. (Gillette) DiPerrio; a son, Thomas DiPerrio and his wife, Jodi of Dunedin, Florida; a daughter, LuAnn DiPerrio of Holden; a step-daughter, Amy Miln of Princeton and step-son, Shawn Orton of Holden; four grandchildren, John and Michael DiPerrio, Madalyn and Sam Miln,; a great granddaughter, Ava DiPerrio; many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his beloved son, Robert J. DiPerrio, Jr.  and four brothers, Anthony, George, Raymond and William.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Bob’s family from 4 to 7 pm on Thursday, February 23, at the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden.  A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 am on Friday, February 24, at St., Mary’s Church, 114 Princeton St., Jefferson, followed by a reception at the parish center. Interment with military honors will take place at 2pm on Friday at the Massachusetts Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery, 111 Glenallen St., Winchendon. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Bob’s name to the Fisher House Foundation, Inc., 111 Rockville Pike #420, Rockville, MD 20850 ( www.fisherhouse.org ). To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit our "Guest Book" here on our page.

















Calling Hours


Thursday
February 23, 2017
,

4:00 PM
- 7:00 PM




at
Miles Funeral Home


Click for Map and Directions





Funeral Mass


Friday
February 24, 2017
,

10:00 AM





at
St. Mary's Church


Click for Map and Directions





Interment


Friday
February 24, 2017
,

2:00 PM





at
Massachusetts Veterans' Memorial Cemetery


Click for Map and Directions