PORTLAND — William J. DiBiase Jr., 76, died Aug. 22 at Maine Medical Center with his loving family by his side.
On June 4, 1935, he was born in Portland, the son of William J. Sr. and Mary T. DiBiase. He graduated from Deering High School, where he was captain of the football team. His high school sweetheart and head cheerleader at Portland High School later became his wife, Dorothy A. (Pelletier) DiBiase.
With his wife by his side, he owned and operated B&D Builders, Inc. and Wildot Stables in Falmouth. He took pride in his work as a general contractor. His commercial projects in southern Maine included a condominium development, elderly housing, a hotel in Old Orchard Beach. One job he was very proud of was building St. Edmunds Catholic Church, where he donated two bells to hang in the bell tower in memory of his parents.
Another passion of his was raising, breeding and racing horses, and he was a member of the Maine State Harness Association.
An active member of the community, he sponsored and coached football and baseball teams and was a co-founder of Little Lad Football. In his spare time he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and ice fishing, and trips to Italy with his family to visit his ancestors’ village, Lettomanoppello.
A strong-willed man with a soft heart, he taught his children to treat everyone with respect and always supported the underdog. His family was the most important part of his life.
He was predeceased by his loving wife of 51 years, Dorothy A. (Pelletier) DiBiase; a son, Nicholas Marco DiBiase, and a sister, Lucia DiBiase Horton.
Surviving are his children, DeMaree DiBiase of Yarmouth, Suzette DiBiase-Ricker of Falmouth, Scott DiBiase of Falmouth, and Lee J. DiBiase of Falmouth; grandchildren, Ashley and Jacob Ricker of Falmouth, Jessica, Samantha and Dylan DiBiase of Falmouth, Geoffrey M. Erskine of Cape Elizabeth; an extended loving family and friends.
Memorial services were held last week.
Arrangements are by Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St., Portland.
Please visit jonesrichandhutchins.com for additional information and to sign his guest book.
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DiBiase Jr.
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