Peter M. DiFoggio Jr.
Peter M. DiFoggio Jr., 70, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, January 12, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. Born to the late Peter M. DiFoggio Sr. and late Joan Marie (Broadbridge) DiFoggio. Peter spent his early years in Swampscott before moving with his family to Tewksbury at age 12. He graduated from Tewksbury High School and built a life defined by love, service, and dedication to those around him.
Peter was a man of many passions. He cherished history, with a particular fascination for Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War, and enjoyed countless hours exploring the past through books and discussions. Peter also found joy in the creature comforts of life: spending time at the beach with his wife and best friend Renee; listening to an eclectic range of music, including everything from AC/DC to classical; and his immense love of laughter… making the Three Stooges one of his particular favorites. Above all, he treasured his family, finding immense happiness in moments spent with his children, grandchildren, and most recently, his 2-year-old granddaughter Sofia.
A longtime resident of Billerica, Peter returned to Tewksbury in 2011, where he continued to build a life centered around love and community. He was a proud father to his four sons: Christopher DiFoggio of Fayetteville, NC; Steven DiFoggio of Lowell, MA; Bradley DiFoggio of Providence, RI; and Ian DiFoggio of Salem, MA. He was also the proud grandfather of Veronica, Dylan, Nicole, and Sofia.
Peter is survived by his sister, Lisa Gagnon Olenchak, and her husband Michael Olenchak of Chelmsford, MA. He was predeceased by his sister, Gail Spencer, who passed away in 2018.
Throughout his career, Peter was dedicated to helping others. He managed group homes for adults with special needs and served as the director of Daybreak Shelter in Lawrence, assisting individuals facing substance abuse challenges. For over 30 years, he made it his mission to improve the lives of those in need, a legacy he was deeply proud of. Even as cancer forced his early retirement, Peter remained a beacon of strength and resilience, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of those he helped.
You are welcome to attend his calling hours on Saturday January 18, 2025 from 4pm until 6pm at the Tewksbury Funeral Home, 1 Dewey Street, Tewksbury, MA 01876. His funeral service will take place in the funeral home at 6pm. During his battle with Cancer, it broke Peter's heart to imagine a child having to go through what he was going through, please consider a contribtion in his memory to Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital at https://www.stjude.org.