09/25/2009 - Gerald A.” Jerry” DiMestico, age 80, former Whitman Fire Chief, died Sunday, September 20, after a period of failing health. He was husband for 56 years of Elizabeth “Betty” (Hunter) DiMestico. Born in Whitman, son of the late Gerald and Blanche (Landry) DiMestico, he attended schools in Hanson and Whitman. Jerry was appointed to the Whitman Fire Department on January 1, 1948 on the call force and worked for the State Department of Conservation, Forest Fire Division from 1949 through 1951. He was appointed to the permanent force in April 1953, and was made Lieutenant in June 1965, Deputy Chief in 1969, and acting Chief in August 1976 and was made permanent Chief in March 1978. He was a member and instructor for Mass. Institute of Fire Department Instructors in 1966 and taught at the Academy in Framingham and then in Stowe. He was also a member of the Mass. Fire Chief’s Club and Plymouth County Fire Chief’s Club. After giving thirty –five years of service to the Town of Whitman, he retired from the Fire Department in 1984. He then owned and operated DiMestico Excavating with his son “Gus” for several years and he also drove a school bus for several years for K-High School and was often requested to drive for special events. When time permitted, he enjoyed playing golf. In addition to his wife, Betty, he is survived by two daughters, Carol Swenson and her husband Kevin of Scituate and Debra O’Neil of Brockton, a son Gerald “Gus” DiMestico, Jr. and his wife Karen of Halifax*,seven grandchildren, Hollie Bertoni, Meri Sybertz, Toni Butland, Charles Donati, John Creedon, Siobhan Creedon amd Raymond DiMestico, and five great grandchildren. His funeral was held on Friday, September 25 at 8:15 A.M..from the Blanchard Funeral Chapel, Plymouth Street, Whitman, (Route 58 at the Rotary) followed by a Funeral Mass in Holy Ghost Church at 9:00 A.M. Calling hours Thursday September 24, 2-4 and 7-9. P.M.. Donations may be made in his name to the Whitman Fire Department,Gift Fund. c/o Chief Timothy Grenno, P.O. Box 168. Whitman, Ma. 02382.

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