Obituary of John Bernard Di Diodato

John Di Diodato

1935 - 2025

“Do it correctly and to the best of your ability, or not at all.”

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of John Di Diodato, beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, and friend on March 2, 2025 at the age of 89. John passed away peacefully at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital in Fredericton, NB surround by his loving family. John lived a full life in excellent health which only began to decline in recent years.

John was born into a coal mining family in Minto, New Brunswick in 1935 to Algisa and Benedetto Di Diodato. He was the oldest of six children. As a young child John and his mother traveled back to Italy for a visit when World War II broke out. After finally being able to return home to Minto at the end of the war, he quickly learned a new language, settled into a new culture, and developed friendships that would last a lifetime.

Following his high school graduation he earned a degree in Civil Engineering at the University of New Brunswick in 1960. He dedicated his entire career to this field and found immense joy in his work. John dedicated nearly 30 years to designing highways with the New Brunswick Department of Transportation until retiring in 1997. Even with his humble demeanour, the pride he had in his work shone through as he shared the intricacies of a design with fellow passengers on a completed highway he had help construct.

Beyond his professional accomplishments John was a devote family man. He married the love of his life, Neta Belliveau, in 1963. Together they raised Robert, Gina, and Margot in Dalhousie, Bathurst, and Fredericton, New Brunswick. After Neta’s passing in 1998, John embraced the new challenges that lie ahead as opportunities. He helped his siblings with household projects, continued to be a father who carefully tended to his children’s needs and never said no to a request. He was an engaged and proud grandfather to his 7 grandchildren who affectionately called him Popsi. He enjoyed engaging with each of them and hearing about what was happening in their lives. During the summer, John would retreat to the family cottage at Flowers Cove where he thoroughly enjoyed the presence of family, guests, friends, and local cottage dwellers.

John was a perfectionist at heart who never compromised on quality with anything that he did. His guiding principle was “Do it correctly and to the best of your ability, or not at all.” This philosophy was at the core of his being and this applied to everything he did including relationships, family, work, or any projects he undertook.

John enjoyed playing softball, skiing, skating with family, and later in life square dancing with Neta. His true passion was The Fredericton Model Airplane Club. He loved the meticulous process of building planes, seeing them take flight that first time, and maneuvering them in the air for hours on end. John deeply valued the camaraderie of his fellow club members spanning nearly 40 years. He held longtime roles of President and Treasurer, as well as the important role of naturally welcoming and mentoring new members to the club. John was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus.

Popsi will be deeply missed by his son Robert DiDiodato (Nancy), daughters Gina DiDiodato and Margot Rankin (Calvin); grandchildren Alicia and Ryan DiDiodato; Justin, Jené, and Randi Hudson; Sydney and Calista Rankin; great-grandson Lucas Potter; sisters Marcella Di Diodato and Eva McLellan; and several nieces and nephews. John is predeceased by his wife Neta, infant son Peter; parents Benedetto and Algisa Di Diodato; brothers Gabriele Di Diodato and Franco DiDiodato; toddler sister Marcella; and son-in-law, Monty Hudson. 

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you for the exceptional care he received at the ICU unit at the DECH, and the caring team at York Care who tended to him in recent years.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, March 5th from 4:00pm - 7:00pm at York Funeral Home in Fredericton followed by a funeral service at Holy Family Parish in Fredericton on Thursday, March 6, 2025 at 11:00am. Interment will follow at a later date at Saint Bridget’s Cemetery in Hardwood Ridge Cemetery near Minto.

Although John was quiet in nature and was a captive listener with a remarkable ability to retain fine details, he routinely went out of his way to help others without looking for anything in return. This selflessness spoke volumes about his character. For those who wish, the family asks that you perform a good deed for someone in need who could benefit from it and appreciate the gesture, or make a donation to the Lung Association or Heart and Stroke Foundation. Personal condolences may be offered through www.yorkfh.com