Richard F. DiMento

THE END

After living with Parkinsons for over 15 years, Richard F. DiMento of Winthrop, MA, tipped his hat for the last time at the age of 83 on September 19, 2025. In character, he insisted that no fuss be made after his death, no wake, no funeral, no celebration of life. He might have vetoed an obituary, unfortunately for him, he neglected to forbid it.

Those close to him knew that his crusty exterior often disguised his true nature of deep compassion and generosity. The twice elected Winthrop Selectman was known for his ethical, no-nonsense approach to town government. Avoiding accolades and acknowledgement, when he was recognized with Winthrop’s Past Distinguished Service Award in April, 2025, he stated, “Why? I didn’t do anything.”

Richard was a Town Meeting member for decades before he was elected as a member of the Board of Selectmen. Through the years, he was deeply involved in virtually every major incentive for town improvement. During his tenure on the Board, he helped negotiate the original mitigation agreement between Winthrop and the MWRA. He was deeply involved in the successful effort to veto the huge sludge incinerator originally proposed as part of the plan. He co-chaired the town’s first Tree Committee which resulted in Winthrop’s designation as a Tree City and vastly contributed to the greening of Winthrop. On the occasions, when the DPW was overwhelmed with snow removal, he could be spotted before businesses opened shoveling the common areas in Winthrop Center by himself. Most of his personal contributions were made quietly. He supported many gravely ill, senior relatives and friends with his regular “Paratours”. He bundled them up and took them for “Town Checks,” coffee, ice cream and talks as they approached the end of their lives.He drove ill and aging seniors to and from their regular coffee spots so that they could remain active and social as long as possible.

Richard also managed the Winthrop Yacht Club for decades, his devotion to its legacy restored it to its heyday. In 2007, true to his tenacious character, he founded Cottage Hill Real Estate in the middle of a real estate collapse. Despite owning a state of-the-art office, he preferred making business magic from his favorite perch at a local coffee shop directly across the street. The company flourished and remains a leader in the local business community.

Richard leaves his heartbroken family: wife Emilie (Capezza), children Kristin DiMento, David Wescott, Kate DiMento, Nikki Cole and the precious add-on Taylor Capezza Goralski. He was proud of and respected the wonderful men his “girls” married: Chris Cole, Eric Thomas, David Goralski. Richard left the world feeling that they had made excellent choices. Sixth son, seventh of nine children of John and Marian DiMento, his extraordinary and devoted family includes: Donna, Peter, Noreen, Phil, Marge, Bill, Carol, Bob, Janet, and Mary Jane DiMento Boncore. Deceased are Jack, Barbara, Jim and Diane.Their family was, and remains, a town legend from “the hill”.

He is survived by dozens of nieces and nephews, all of whom he loved; three in particular made his last years easier with their unrelenting support and care. A heartfelt thanks to Jenn Sanford, Susan Griffiths, Kathy Imbrogna and their families. Like most grandfathers, he had a mutual love affair with his “babies”: Tate, Blythe, Dashiell and Lydia. A crucial factor in his last years was the continuing support and love of his life-long WHS buddies. Tom Deehan, TO Johnson, JD Murphy and Bob Milne. They made sure he was not forgotten even after visits were no longer an option.

One last mention is for his devoted caregiver Medi whose loyalty and compassion made it possible for him to live at home during the final years of his illness.

Donations in his name can be made to the organization he helped start: Viking Pride Foundation P.O. Box 520037 Winthrop, MA 02152 or www.viking pride.org or Care Dimensions Hospice.

Please leave messages of condolence or memories for his family on his Tribute Page.

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