Peter J. Dittami
July 3rd 1940 - October 23rd 2026
Peter James Dittami, a longtime educator and devoted family man, passed away at his home in Marlborough on Friday, October 23, 2026, with his loving wife, Louise, by his side.
Peter was born on July 3, 1940, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital in Medford, Massachusetts, the second-oldest son of Francis Dittami and Rose Cuneo Dittami. He graduated from Worcester State College in 1962, earned his master's degree from Boston College in 1963, and received his doctorate from Boston University in 1973.
Peter dedicated his life to education, beginning his career at Hemingway Elementary School, where he met his future wife, Louise. After serving as principal of two elementary schools in Fitchburg, he returned to Framingham as principal of Memorial School. In 1980, he became principal of Barbieri Elementary School, where he championed literacy initiatives and played an instrumental role in establishing one of the area's first bilingual education programs.
In 1989, Peter joined Framingham State College, where he developed and coordinated a dual-enrollment program that allowed high school students to earn college credits. He also served as a visiting professor in graduate education, helping prepare future educators in Brazil, El Salvador, Italy, and Ukraine.
After retiring in 2001 following 31 years as an elementary school principal, Peter continued sharing his passion for education as an assistant professor of education and coordinator of field placements at Framingham State College for another 15 years. His dedication to teaching and mentoring left a lasting impression on generations of students and educators.
Above all, Peter was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and brother who deeply cherished his family. He took an active role in raising his children and helping care for his grandson, and he was always ready to lend a hand to family and friends. His generosity, commitment, and love for those closest to him were hallmarks of his life.
Peter was also a devout Catholic and an active member of St. Jeremiah's and St. George's parishes in Framingham. He faithfully served both congregations as a lector and Eucharistic minister.
Peter is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Louise Dittami, a marriage he often described as the best decision he ever made; his daughter, Maria Dittami, and her partner, Scott Murphy; his sons, Jamie Dittami and Greg Dittami (wife Kristen); his cherished grandson, Evan Dittami; his siblings, Mary Rose, Louis, Alex, and Richard; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his siblings Frank, Margaret, Joan, Jim, and John.
Family and friends are invited to honor and remember Peter's life during visiting hours at Norton, McKinney & Lawler Funeral Home, 53 Beech Street, Framingham, on Friday, October 30, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. George Church, 74 School Street, Framingham, on Saturday, October 31, at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Edgell Grove Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Peter's memory to the charity of your choice.
Peter was born on July 3, 1940, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital in Medford, Massachusetts, the second-oldest son of Francis Dittami and Rose Cuneo Dittami. He graduated from Worcester State College in 1962, earned his master's degree from Boston College in 1963, and received his doctorate from Boston University in 1973.
Peter dedicated his life to education, beginning his career at Hemingway Elementary School, where he met his future wife, Louise. After serving as principal of two elementary schools in Fitchburg, he returned to Framingham as principal of Memorial School. In 1980, he became principal of Barbieri Elementary School, where he championed literacy initiatives and played an instrumental role in establishing one of the area's first bilingual education programs.
In 1989, Peter joined Framingham State College, where he developed and coordinated a dual-enrollment program that allowed high school students to earn college credits. He also served as a visiting professor in graduate education, helping prepare future educators in Brazil, El Salvador, Italy, and Ukraine.
After retiring in 2001 following 31 years as an elementary school principal, Peter continued sharing his passion for education as an assistant professor of education and coordinator of field placements at Framingham State College for another 15 years. His dedication to teaching and mentoring left a lasting impression on generations of students and educators.
Above all, Peter was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and brother who deeply cherished his family. He took an active role in raising his children and helping care for his grandson, and he was always ready to lend a hand to family and friends. His generosity, commitment, and love for those closest to him were hallmarks of his life.
Peter was also a devout Catholic and an active member of St. Jeremiah's and St. George's parishes in Framingham. He faithfully served both congregations as a lector and Eucharistic minister.
Peter is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Louise Dittami, a marriage he often described as the best decision he ever made; his daughter, Maria Dittami, and her partner, Scott Murphy; his sons, Jamie Dittami and Greg Dittami (wife Kristen); his cherished grandson, Evan Dittami; his siblings, Mary Rose, Louis, Alex, and Richard; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his siblings Frank, Margaret, Joan, Jim, and John.
Family and friends are invited to honor and remember Peter's life during visiting hours at Norton, McKinney & Lawler Funeral Home, 53 Beech Street, Framingham, on Friday, October 30, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. George Church, 74 School Street, Framingham, on Saturday, October 31, at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Edgell Grove Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Peter's memory to the charity of your choice.
Visitation: 10/30/2026 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Funeral Mass: 10/31/2026 10:00 am
Interment: 10/31/2026 11:15 am
