Leo F. DiMaio, Jr

85, Director Emeritus of the Talent Development Program at the University of Rhode Island, passed away at his home in Cranston on February 20, 2014 surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved and devoted husband of wife Ilene (Norato) DiMaio for 58 years, father of Leo III and his wife Jamie, daughter Mary Ellen, and grandfather of three grandchildren, Stephanie, Angelica, and Leo Angelo. Born in Providence he was the son of the late Leo and Mary (Del Sesto) DiMaio. Brother of the late Anthony DiMaio. He leaves many cherished nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews who looked upon him as a leader and a mentor. A graduate of La Salle Academy, class of 1947, he also attended Massanutten Military Academy and then went on to graduate from Providence College in 1952. He earned a Master's Degree in Education from The University of Rhode Island.
Mr. DiMaio was the first Director of Education and Recreation at the Adult Correctional Institution in Cranston. He was instrumental in inmates receiving their GED and held the first graduation for inmates at the institution. He also founded the first half-way house for ex-felons in the state of Rhode Island. In addition, he was the first head basketball coach at the Zuccolo Recreation Center in Providence. Due to his outstanding work and success, the center established the Leo DiMaio "Hall of Champions" which is proudly displayed there today. He was past President, YMCA Providence Businessmen's Association and received the Man of the Year Award from that organization.
Leo was one of Rhode Island's strongest and most recognized educational advocates. He dedicated his life and career to advancing the cause of expanding educational opportunity for students of color and disadvantaged students. Along with the late Reverend Arthur L. Hardge, Leo co-founded Special Programs for Talent Development at URI in the turbulent era directly following the death of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Known as "Mr. D", he was a beloved and revered figure to generations of Talent Development students. Leo served with great distinction for over thirty years at URI. He was instrumental in diversifying the face of the University.
Among the many honors Leo earned are the URI Administrative Excellence Award, the URI Presidential Award, URI Athletic Hall of Fame, the URI Multicultural Center Lifetime Achievement Award, The DaVinci Center Person of the Year Award, the Robinson-Kizirian Award, and the City of Providence Martin Luther King Jr. Hall of Fame Award. In addition, he was also inducted into the LaSalle Academy Hall of Fame. In 1999, URI's then-President Robert L. Carothers honored Leo with the creation of the DiMaio Scholars Program. Hundreds of additional students beyond Talent Development have received significant scholarships and academic support through this initiative.
Leo's love of family for his wife Ilene, son Leo and wife Jamie, and daughter Mary Ellen, was complete and unconditional. Despite all his accomplishments Leo reserved a special place in his heart for his three grandchildren- Stephanie, Angelica, and Leo Angelo. To them he was "Poppy and there was nothing he would not do for them." His love, his words, and his lessons will never be forgotten.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday at 11 a.m. in Holy Apostles Church, 800 Pippen Orchard Rd. Cranston, followed by burial in St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston.
Visiting hours are Monday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory, 1278 Park Ave. Cranston.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Leo F. DiMaio Endowed Scholarship, c/o URI Foundation, 79 Upper College Road, Kingston, RI 02881

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