George Robert Ditomassi

George Robert Ditomassi, Jr.
1934 – 2021
Longmeadow- George Robert Ditomassi Jr. 86, passed away peacefully, surrounded by love on May 31, 2021, at his home that he shared with his beloved wife Michele. George was born on October 27, 1934, in Holyoke MA to the late George and Nancy (Morini) Ditomassi.
George graduated from the University of Massachusetts in 1957 and served in the U.S Army as a Second Lieutenant, where he was honored as a Distinguished Military Graduate. He graduated from the Advanced Management Program at Harvard University in 1980. In 1996 he received an honorary Doctorate from the University of Massachusetts.
George’s successful career at Milton Bradley spans over four decades, beginning in 1960 as a production trainee. In 1970, he became Vice President of Milton Bradley and General Manager of the Whiting Division. In 1982, he was elected to Milton Bradley Board of Directors, and in 1985, was promoted to President of Milton Bradley. In 1990, George was named Chairman of Milton Bradley and Chief Operating Officer, Games and International, Hasbro Inc., the acquiring company of Milton Bradley. From 1996-1997, he also served as President of Hasbro International. Throughout his career, George demonstrated his commitment to bringing worldwide prominence to what have become household brands such as Candyland, Life, and Chutes and Ladders. This led to his induction into the Toy Industry Association Hall of Fame in 2004. Following his career at Hasbro, George became CEO of Enesco, CEO of Shop at Home Company, and CEO of Summit America Television. 
In addition, George has a long list of community involvement. He served as Chairman of the Western Massachusetts Children’s Miracle Network, the National Chairman of the Child Welfare League of America, and the Corporate Fundraising Chairman of the Ronald McDonald House of Springfield. George also served as a Director of the Business Friends of the Arts, as a member of the board of Directors of the Basketball Hall of Fame, a Trustee at Springfield College, a member of the UMass Chancellor's Executive Committee, and later as a Trustee of the UMass Foundation Board. He was an incorporator of the Community United Way, a Trustee of Baystate Medical Center, Chairman of the Westmass Area Development Corporation, and an appointed member of the Inspector General Council of Massachusetts.
George received many awards during his lifetime; Business West Business Person of the Year, University of Massachusetts Distinguished Alumnus Award, The Pynchon Award for Outstanding Civic Contributions, UNICO Man of the Year Award, American Cancer Society’s Omar T. Pace Award, Pioneer Valley Boy Scouts of America Distinguished Citizen Award, Holyoke Community College Distinguished Service Award, Urban League Coveted Community Builder Award, Junior Achievement Free Enterprise Hall of Fame Award, and the National Conference of Human Relations Award.
George, fondly known as “Dito”, had a range of interests. He had a love for tennis and was known as the “human backboard” at the Field Club. He loved watching boxing, the Yankees, and was a devoted fan of UMass Basketball and Football. George was an avid reader, who enjoyed sitting on the beach with a good book. He was a car enthusiast, and a lover of animals, especially his dog Daisy and cat Tux. He will be remembered for his quick wit, sense of humor, business acumen and his loyalty to his family and friends.
He will be deeply missed by his loving wife of 32 years Michele Megas-Ditomassi, his daughter Alexis Ditomassi, his sons George Robert Ditomassi III (Marianne Ditomassi) and Mark Ditomassi, his daughters Dawn Tallaksen (Jim Tallaksen) and Elisabeth Ditomassi (Tom MacDonald), his grandchildren Mackenzie, Connor, James, Jack, Emmett, Savannah, Wyatt, and Jacob, his sister Joyce Becker (Hank Becker), and his nephews David and John. He is also survived by his former wife Judith Anderson Ditomassi.
George’s impact on Springfield and the surrounding communities cannot be measured in words. He leaves a legacy of generosity through his numerous philanthropic activities. All who had the pleasure of working with George in the community can attest to the fact that he was a “doer” and appreciated hard work. Above all he was a man with a big heart who never forgot where he came from.
The Ditomassi family would like to thank his caregivers Prim, Kendra, Kennedy, Brenda, Job, and Marsha for their exceptional care. The family would also like to thank Baystate Hospice for their skill and compassion.
The services for George will begin on Wednesday June 9, 2021 with a wake from 4:00-7:00 PM at Forastiere Smith Funeral Home at 220 North Main Street East Longmeadow, MA. The Funeral is on Thursday June 10, 2021 starting at 10:00AM at the funeral home, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00AM at St. Mary’s Parish at 519 Longmeadow St., Longmeadow, MA. Burial will be in Longmeadow Cemetery, Longmeadow.
In Memory of George, contributions may be made in George’s name to The University of Massachusetts, Baystate Health Foundation, and The Ronald McDonald House. To leave an online condolence, visit www.forastiere.com.