SPRINGFIELD - James P. "Jimmy" DiBernardo, 69, a lifelong resident of Springfield, was Called Home on Friday, May 2, 2025. He passed into Eternal Life at his home surrounded by all the memories he loved and cherished. Born on October 11, 1955, Jimmy was the beloved son of the late Nicholas J. and Virginia (Dowd) DiBernardo. He was raised on Hungry Hill and was a graduate of the High School of Commerce. Jimmy furthered his education and received an Associates Degree in Criminal Justice from Springfield Technical Community College.
Jimmy married the love of his life, Carol Ann (Neal) DiBernardo on September 7th, 1984 and the two shared over 40 years of happiness together. Jimmy and Carol were blessed with two sons, Nicholas J. DiBernardo and Ryan N. DiBernardo, who were the pride and joy of Jimmy’s life.
Known for his quick wit, endless antics and relentless positivity, Jimmy was easily loved by anyone that met him. His radiant personality turned strangers into friends and left everyone in his presence filled with light and laughter. His life was centered around his loving family, whom he cherished deeply.
Jimmy worked as an iron worker for Local 357 before beginning his career as a lineman with Western Mass Electric. He worked as a lineman for 35 years before retiring from Eversource. Jimmy served as a union steward and then later served as the President of the IBEW Local #455. After retirement, Jimmy found his four-legged companion, “Stormy” whom he was inseparable from.
He devoted much of his free time to coaching youth baseball and basketball during Nick and Ryan’s childhood, leaving both his kids and players with lifelong memories. Jimmy was a man whose warmth, generosity and unforgettable spirit touched everyone he met. Known for his boundless kindness, Jimmy would give you the shirt off his back without hesitation and helped family, friends and neighbors on a daily basis. He was undeniably the life of the party – his humor and laughter filled every room, and his presence brought joy wherever he went. His legacy of love, loyalty and larger than life energy will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
Most of all, he loved his family and his many friends. He leaves his beloved wife and best friend, Carol Ann (Neal) DiBernardo. He also leaves his loving and devoted sons, Nicholas J. DiBernardo and his partner, Ataysia White, of Clarksville, TN, and Ryan N. DiBernardo and his wife, Mckenzie, of Springfield; his dear sister, Diane Lee of Springfield; his dear brother, John DiBernardo of Springfield; his dear sisters-in law, Marilyn DiBernardo, and Mary L. Bednarz and her daughter, Mary Kate Bednarz, both of Springfield; his dear brother-in-law, Congressman Richard E. Neal of Springfield; and his many dear nephews, nieces, cousins, friends and extended family members. Besides his parents, he was also predeceased by his dear brothers, Nicholas DiBernardo and Joseph DiBernardo; his dear sister, Donna DiBernardo; his dear brother-in-law, Robert Bednarz; and his dear sister-in-law, Maureen (Conway) Neal.
His funeral will be held on Saturday morning, May 10, 2025 from the St. Pierre - Phaneuf Springfield Chapels, (413-737-1177), 7 Chapin Terrace, Springfield, MA 01107 (funeral home will open at 8:15 a.m.), followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in Sacred Heart Church, 395 Chestnut Street, Springfield, MA 01104. His burial will follow the Mass at Saint Michael’s Cemetery, 1601 State Street, Springfield, MA 01104. His family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday, May 9, 2025 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Memorial donations may be made in his memory to Saint Jude Children's Hospital, 501 Saint Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959 or to Sacred Heart Church Renovation Fund, 395 Chestnut Street, Springfield, MA 01104. For more details and to leave his family condolence messages, please visit: www.stpierrephaneuf.com