Claudio DiTullio Obituary – Worcester Telegram & Gazette

Claudio DiTullio, 73, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 31, 2025, surrounded by his loving family, at his son’s home in Grafton, Massachusetts.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Kathleen “Kakie” DiTullio, and his children Jeremy DiTullio and his wife Christine of Grafton, MA; Kristen Morris and her husband Greg of Newport Beach, CA; and Adrianna Wooden and her husband Jeremy of Leicester, MA. Claudio was the proud grandfather of Brendan (22), Noah (20), Gianna (13), Julian (11), Nina (11), Rowan (8), Annabelle (8), and Marco (7)—each of whom brought him immense joy and pride.

Born in Castrovalva, Italy, Claudio emigrated to the United States in 1955 with his mother, Dorinda DiTullio (2014), and brothers, 1st Lt. Franco A. DiTullio (1969) and Caesar DiTullio. They joined their father, Raffaele DiTullio (1981), in Clinton, Massachusetts, where the family put down roots and later welcomed their youngest son, Joseph DiTullio. Claudio was also predeceased by his sister, Conciettina DiTullio (1945).

Claudio was an avid sports enthusiast. In his youth, he and his brothers could always be found on the ice, playing for local teams and making lifelong friends. He carried his love of sports into adulthood, coaching youth hockey and finding camaraderie and success on the softball field. He often claimed his greatest talent was his speed—insisting he could leg out an infield hit better than anyone. Even while balancing work and raising a family, he stayed active in town softball leagues, weekday pickup hockey and basketball games, and the occasional weekend touch football match.

After suffering a major heart attack in 1997, Claudio transitioned from player to passionate supporter. He followed every high and low of the Bruins, Red Sox, Patriots, and Celtics, and could always be found watching from the sidelines at his children’s and later his grandchildren’s games.

After moving from Clinton, Claudio and his beloved wife Kathleen settled in Amelia Island, Florida, where they kept busy with endless home projects—many starting with calls to his brother Caesar for advice and ending with his familiar refrain, “just add another piece of trim.” Known as the neighborhood handyman, Claudio was always the first to lend a helping hand, making friends without ever needing to leave the block.

More than anything, Claudio will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to family. Though he never traveled far, he would drop everything and go anywhere for those he loved. He was present for each of his grandchildren’s births and brought a sense of playfulness and warmth to everyday life. Whether gathered for a family meal, staying for an extended visit, or cheering from the sidelines, Claudio’s steady presence filled every moment with love and laughter.

We are profoundly grateful for the years we shared with him—for his humor, his generosity, and his steadfast devotion to those he held dear. His spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of all who loved him, and his memory will remain a lasting source of comfort and joy.

Calling hours will be held from 5 until 7PM on Tuesday, November 4, 2025 in the Philbin-Comeau Funeral Home. A Funeral Service will be celebrated at 11AM on Wednesday, November 5, 2025 in the funeral home. Burial will later be held privately in St. John’s Cemetery, Lancaster. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Claudio DiTullio to either WHEAT Community Connections, P.O. Box 847, Clinton, MA 01510, or Clinton Public Schools, Scholarship & Enrichment Foundation, P.O. Box 732, Clinton, MA 01510. Online condolences may be placed at www.philbincomeaufh.com