John J. “KooKoo” DiRienzo

Uxbridge- John J. “KooKoo” DiRienzo, 94, of Blanchard Ave., passed away on Thursday, January 16, 2025 after period of declining health. 

       He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Patricia J. (Allega) DiRienzo; his three children, John J. DiRienzo Jr., of Uxbridge, Anthony B. DiRienzo and his wife Stacey of Douglas, and Cynthia Ann Harris of Uxbridge; 3 grandchildren, Jack, Alexis, and Nathan; 2 sisters, Marie Colonero of Uxbridge and Doris Calarese also of Uxbridge as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sisters, Rita E. Cogliandro and Katherine M. “Kate” Colonero, and 3 brothers-in-law, Raymond Colonero, James Colonero, and Saverio Cogliandro. 

       Born in Uxbridge on August 17, 1930 he was the son of Dominic and Anna (Romasco) DiRienzo and was a lifelong resident of Uxbridge. He was educated from the Uxbridge public school system and was a graduate of Uxbridge High school class of 1949. He was a proud U.S veteran of the Korean War, who served in the Air Force and was discharged in 1953. 

       Mr. DiRienzo was an extremely hardworking man and worked multiple jobs over the years, many at the same time. He worked for the Uxbridge and Northbridge school systems as a school bus driver for over 50 years, for Vendetti Transport Services as well as other local bus companies. He owned and operated North Uxbridge Coal and Fuel for many years and delivered home heating oil. He was the Uxbridge tree warden for over 50 years and helped many with outdoor projects, including roofing and building stone walls. He also bartended his father-in-laws bar “Jack’s Place” for many years. KooKoo also raised pigs for many years as a hobby, and enjoyed quahoging, and tending to his vegetable gardens.

       He was a member of the VFW Post 1385 in town, the Charles A. Rice American Legion Post 33, and the North Uxbridge Italian Club, where he was very active for many years. He and his wife enjoyed traveling and saw many beautiful places, and they had a condo in Fort Myers.

       His funeral will be held on Friday, January 24, 2025 at 12 noon in Tancrell-Jackman Funeral Home, 35 Snowling Rd., Uxbridge. His burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery. Calling hours at the funeral home will be held prior to the service from 9-12. In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s memory may be made to The People’s First Food Pantry, PO Box 506., Uxbridge MA 01569, or the Uxbridge Ambulance Fund, 32 S. Main St., Uxbridge, MA 01569. To leave a condolence message for his family please visit: http://www.Jackmanfuneralhomes.com

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