Mr. Paul P. “Buster” DiVincenzo, 79, of Beverly, beloved husband of Antoinetta “Annette” (Fortunato) DiVincenzo of Beverly, died unexpectedly April 3, 2012, at Beverly Hospital.
Born and raised in Beverly, he was the son of the late Vincent and Antonette (Almagno) DiVincenzo. Paul received his early education at St. Mary’s Grammar School in Beverly, graduated from St. John’s Preparatory School in Danvers, and matriculated at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst where he was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha and earned his degree. While at UMASS, he was a member of the Varsity Baseball team that advanced to the College World Series, a first for the University, and he was a standout member of the Varsity Football Team.
While at St. John’s Prep, he was a star football player and an All-Catholic Conference baseball player, he was President of the Sodality, Junior Class President, Senior Class Vice President, and recipient of the Student-Athlete Award his senior year. He was later inducted into St. John’s Prep first Hall of Fame Class, the Prep Hall of Honor in 1998 and the Xaverian Brothers named him as an “Honorary Brother”.
After a two year stint in the United States Army, Buster returned to the Prep and became one of three lay teachers (history & economics) in September 1957. With his athletic prowess known, he was immediately named assistant football coach and head baseball coach. He coached the baseball team for three years and guided them to win both the Eastern Mass. and Catholic Conference Titles. He was the only coach in the history of the school to have guided both the varsity baseball and football teams to state titles.
As one of the original lay employees of the Prep, Buster came to epitomize the spirit of St. John’s. Between 1957 and 1998, Buster served as Teacher, Coach, Athletic Director, Business Manager, Treasurer and all around mentor and friend to countless numbers of alumni, faculty, friends and Xaverian Brothers. Whether it was seven days a week or 18 hours a day, Buster always remained dedicated and loyal to the school he loved and helped shape. Mr. DiVincenzo’s dedication to the Prep was steadfast, loyal and long-serving. Buster finally retired from his beloved school in 2005 after serving as a consultant to the athletic department and development office in his final years. He will be remembered for his hard work and dedication in the growth, success and reputation he helped build for St. John’s. Buster gave more of himself to St. John’s and the Xaverian Brothers than anyone could have ever imagined.
Buster was also the proprietor of Paul’s Barber Shop in Hamilton and was considered the “resident barber” of Xavier Hall. An honorably discharged veteran of the Korean conflict, Paul served his country proudly as a member of the United States Army. He was a lifelong resident of Beverly, a member of the Vittori Rocci Post, the I.C.C., and the Patria e Lavoro Society, the oldest and strongest independent Italian organization in Beverly. His legacy will live on through all those he touched over the years and through the dignified path he paved for his beloved family to follow.
In addition to his loving and cherished wife of more than 58 years, Buster is survived by his three daughters and two sons-in-law Marie and Robert Haugh of Andover, Janet and David Morrissette of Chelmsford and Andrea DiVincenzo of Beverly, his three grandsons, Tommy, Michael and Danny Haugh. He was predeceased by a daughter Pauline DiVincenzo Woodbury and a sister Philomena DiVincenzo.
ARRANGEMENTS: His Funeral Mass will be held in the St. John's Preparatory School Chapel (Administration Building), Danvers, Monday, April 9th, at 10 A.M. Relatives and friends invited. Burial in Central Cemetery, Beverly. Visiting hours in the Peterson-O’Donnell Funeral Home, 167 Maple St. (Rte. 62), Danvers, Saturday, April 7th, from 1 to 5 P.M. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in Paul’s memory to the Pauline DiVincenzo Woodbury Scholarship Fund, c/o Beverly Cooperative Bank, 254 Cabot St., Beverly, MA 01915, or to St. John’s Preparatory School, 72 Spring St., Danvers, MA 01923. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com.
