Vincent Michael DiMattio, 82, son of the late Nibley Ross DiMattio and Siponte (Eleanor) Manzello was born Feb. 4, 1941, in Quincy, Massachusetts. Vincent attended Quincy High School and received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Massachusetts College of Art. He later received his master’s degree (MFA) from Southern Illinois University.
After a two-year teaching assignment at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, he moved to Monmouth University (then Monmouth College) where he later became department chair and spent over 50 years as both a creator and professor of art. In 2013, an art gallery in the Joan and Robert Rechnitz Hall was dedicated as the DiMattio Gallery. Vincent was awarded the honorary title Professor Emeritus of Art and Design from Monmouth University and was the recipient of a Distinguished Teaching Award. “I’m the luckiest man to be able to come to this beautiful campus every day to work,” he once said.
Vincent passed away Jan. 17, 2024, after a courageous battle with kidney disease.
Vincent was a world traveler, sponsoring study abroad programs for his art students at Monmouth University, a proclaimed highlight for the students who attended. Professor DiMattio was known for his open-door policy as well as his (somewhat unorthodox) teaching practices. A trusted mentor, he positively affected many of the aspiring artists he both challenged and motivated.
As an artist, Vincent has been widely exhibited and has been featured in multiple publications. He was remarkably prolific, driven by his curiosity and desire to push the boundaries of his art. He was inspired by the natural world around him as well as by human nature. Vincent found beauty and utility in cast-off objects and materials and created ways to give them new life. A true collector, his studio was home to items both bizarre and beautiful.
A lifelong fan of Boston sports, Vincent felt fortunate to have witnessed championships in his lifetime for his three favorite teams, the Celtics, Red Sox and Patriots. His other passions included books, movies and concerts. Vincent was a true foodie and loved nothing more than cooking for family and friends on a Sunday afternoon. When his grandchildren came along, he took on the role of “PopPop” with enthusiasm and flair.
Vincent was predeceased by his brothers, Michael, Stephen and Harold; sister MaryAnn; and cherished son Cole Stephen DiMattio.
He is survived by his beloved wife Deborah Zambrana DiMattio; his daughter Shaana Gabrielle Niessen; son-in-law Kevin Patrick Niessen; granddaughter Claire Elise; his daughter Olivia Julienne DiMattio and her fiancée Lourdes E. Canale; his daughter-in-law Laura Nicole and grandson Athan Xavier; his sister Phyllis Clark of Braintree, Massachusetts; his nephews, Joseph and Michael; and many other nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
This article originally appeared in the February 8 – 14, 2024 print edition of The Two River Times.
