Obituary of Joseph Digilio

Joseph C. Digilio, a retired owner of Ply Gems Paneling Centers, passed away on Thursday morning, March 26 at the age of 85. Joe was born in Norwalk, CT the son of Italian immigrants, the late Gaetano and Assunta Digilio. He grew up in Sunapee, New Hampshire. Joe proudly served his country as a Marine during the Korean War achieving the rank of Sergeant. Joe attended Wentworth University for 2 years and then graduated from Northeastern University with a degree in Engineering. He worked as a mechanical engineer for many years before catching the entrepreneurial bug and opening his own business, Ply Gems Paneling Centers in Lowell, which was an home improvement store specializing in kitchens. He would use his mechanical engineering skills for kitchen design and custom cabinetry. He enjoyed the interaction with his customers and helping them design and build their dream kitchens. He retired 15 years ago. He had made his home in Burlington for over 40 years and then spent some of his retirement years living in Plymouth and North Andover. Joe as well as being mechanically minded was also extremely talented with his hands. His home was his pride and joy and showed his creativity and talent in every room. He built an addition on his home. He had the excavation and foundation done by a contractor and then he finished the addition himself. He had a woodworking shop at his home and made all sorts of furniture for his home and his family and friends. He made bedroom sets, chairs, tables, and any other woodcraft he or his wife could dream up. Those family heirlooms will be a constant reminder of Joe’s talents for generations to come. When not in his workshop, Joe enjoyed golfing, time spent with family, and vacations to Hawaii, cruises, and beach destinations all over New England. Joe was the devoted husband of 56 years of Josephine (DeLeo). He was the loving father of Robert Digilio & his wife Maija of Billerica, Joseph Digilio, Jr. of Waltham, Laura Hall & her husband Craig of Billerica and the late Edward J. Digilio. He was the brother of Rita Oellers of Manchester, ME and the late John Digilio and Mary Weinstein. Joe was the proud grandfather of Joseph Digilio, III, Maria, Gabriel & Elliana Digilio and Gavin, Derek & Alexa Hall. Joe was also survived by many nieces and nephews. Funeral from the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (Exit 34 off Rt. 128, Woburn side) on Monday, March 30 at 9 a.m. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Margaret’s Church, 111 Winn St., Burlington at 10 a.m. Visiting hours Sunday 3-6 p.m. Interment in Pine Haven Cemetery, BURLINGTON. Memorials in Joe’s name may be made to a charity of your choice.