Joseph (Jodi) Anthony DiRaimo was born on March 16, 1935, in Cranston, RI, to the late Frank and Martha DiRaimo. He passed away peacefully at home on Friday, July 26, 2024.
He is survived by his wife, Karen Sayre DiRaimo, and leaves behind three children, Lisa DiRaimo (Warwick, RI), Jodi Ann Diraimo (Scituate, RI), and Robert (Bobby) DiRaimo (Frankfort), and a grandson, Justice Donoyon. He is also survived by his sister, Annette Turchetta (Cranston, RI); and several cherished nieces and nephews.
Jodi attended Cranston East High School, Massanutten Military Academy, and the University of Rhode Island, where he played football for all three, as well as for the Providence Steamrollers. He was an avid sports fan – often traveling around the country to attend games of his coaching buddies in college basketball and football. Besides playing golf, (and winning several tournaments), he loved coaching his son in football at Lexington Catholic and continued after Bobby graduated up until the pandemic. He lived for Friday nights with the boys and coaches and recalled those days as some of the most memorable in his life. Another proud moment for him was when he was inducted into the Rhode Island Slow Pitch Softball Hall of Fame.
Jodi had several passions. One, of course, was cooking. He owned and operated several restaurants in Providence (Players Corner Pub), Florida, and Kentucky (Bravo Pitinos, Giuseppe’s, and Jodi DiRaimo’s Italian Cuisine.) He enjoyed not only cooking for friends, but often you would find his kitchen full of “students” learning little secrets in preparing his recipes.
After retirement, he returned to his other two passions – traveling and gardening. He traveled several times during the year to visit family and friends, taking the back roads for unexpected adventures. He loved working in the yard. Neighbors looked forward to his friendly wave from his John Deere, cigar in mouth, and bucket hat on his head.
He touched thousands of lives over the years all over the world through sports, cooking, and traveling. He will be missed by so many people.
Services for Jodi on Saturday September 28th at 11am in St Robert Bellarmine Church, 1804 Atwood Avenue, Johnston. Burial will be private.
Donations in Jodi’s name can be donated to: St Robert Bellarmine Food Pantry.
Arrangements entrusted to the Skeffington Funeral Home and Cremations, 925 Chalkstone Avenue, Providence.
For online condolences kindly visit: Skeffingtonfuneralhome.com
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