Barbara D. DiPoli
January 17, 1971 – January 14, 2025
Resident of Bridgewater, MA
Barbara Diane DiPoli U.S. Air Force (ANGUS) Chief Master Sergeant (Retired 8/31/2024) 1/17/1971-1/14/2025, Passed away due to a medical emergency on a flight home from Europe. Daughter of Joseph M. DiPoli 1/1/1943 and the late Mildred L (Blessington) 7/14/1942-12/12/2009. Sister Deborah A (Santos), Brother-in-law Richard, nephew Mathew and niece Amanda. She is also survived by her great aunt Barbara and aunt Mary as well as several cousins, many friends and her military family. Barbara was born in Boston, Ma and she lived in Taunton, Ma throughout her childhood. She was a communicant of St Paul’s Church in Taunton, Ma. and a 1989 graduate of Coyle-Cassidy High School.
Barbara attended Bristol Community College where she earned her A.A. in 1993. She completed her Bachelor of Science Degree in Anthropology at Bridgewater State University in 1997. She went on to earn her Master of Science Degree in Psychology from Walden University in 2010 while serving in the military. As she was finishing her USAF service, she completed her A.A in Health Care Management from Waldorf University to prepare for her life after leaving the military.
After working in a medical dialysis company as an auditor she joined the U.S. Army at 32 years old. After her basic training, where she excelled against recruits much younger than her, she went to advanced training in military communications specialist. She was deployed to combat in Ramadi, Iraq with the 300th Military Police Company. During her second combat deployment, she was in Fallujah, Iraq. She received several commendations while she served in the military.
After her commitment with the U.S. Army. She joined the U.S Air Force National Guard in Kansas. While in the 190th Mission Support Group, 190th Air Refueling Wing Kansas Air National Guard, she was working in personnel with new recruits. She was appointed as a member of the Kansas Air Force National Guard, Honor Guard detail. She participated in official Kansas State honor guard duties. She had stated that one of the most honorable duties of her military service was being a member of the honor guard for military members at their funerals.
She excelled in the U.S. Air Force National Guard and was given a full-time duty assignment with the Command Master Chief of the Air Force National Guard at the Pentagon. After other duty assignments and tasks in the U.S.A.F. where she rose to the rank of Chief Master Sergeant at the time of her retirement after 20 years of military service.
She loved to spend time with family and friends when she came home from military service. She would spend time with her father and mother when she was home and appreciated being together as a family. After her mother’s passing, she would visit her father and his companion Ruth Theriault of Marblehead. She loved spending time with her sister, Deborah, especially going out to events, and just being sisters. She would also spend time with Matthew and Amanda. Matthew loved going for walks with his aunt; However, his best time was going to New York City. Amanda loved going on the rides at Disney when Barbara came home during her second Iraq deployment, especially going on, ‘’It’s a small world’’ with her.
Barbara became known as “Rock Star Aunty” as she would spend quality time that made a big impact in the small amount of time she had at home with them. She would get the two kids all riled up and then say ‘’I’m out- bye kids’’.
Throughout her civilian and military life, she made service to others the cornerstone of her life. She gave back through Special Olympics, Habitat for Humanity after Hurricane Katrina, mentoring young people in Junior Achievement and Toast Master’s International. During her military career she served with the local Veterans of Foreign Wars and continued with her U.S.A.F N.G. Honor Guard duties for funerals. She believes her most important role was mentoring the NCO’s she came in contact with in her duty station and those she met anywhere in the world.
When she retired after 20 years of military service, she went to Scotland, a place that gave her calmness, peace of spirit while battling PTSD from her years of combat. She had plans to travel across the U.S when she returned. She had plans to work in human resource role so she could mentor those around her to be their best person. She never felt given her rank as a Chief Master Sergeant that she had people under her command. She felt that it was a privilege and honor of hers to help those around her in life as a mentor.
She will be greatly missed by her family and friends. The world is a better place because she lived in it. If she could leave behind words to live a great life; Family, Love, believe in a higher power of God, Country, Peace, and Service to others.
Funeral from the Hurley Currie Funeral Home, 127 So. Franklin St. (Rt. 37), Holbrook on Saturday, January 25th at 9:15am followed by a funeral mass at St. Joseph Church in Holbrook at 10am. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours will be held Friday, January 24th from 4-7pm. Interment at a later date.
Services
Visitation
- January 24, 2025
- Hurley Funeral Home
127 S. Franklin St.
Holbrook, MA 02343
Funeral Service
- January 25, 2025
- 10:00 am
- St. Joseph Church, 153 South Franklin St., Holbrook, MA 02343
My most heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with Barb’s family. As her FSS commander when she joined the 190th ARW, I witnessed firsthand her exceptional dedication and passion for her work. Her remarkable spirit and generosity of heart inspired countless lives through her mentorship, selfless service, and unwavering enthusiasm. Her profound legacy will continue to uplift and motivate all those she touched. May her family find comfort in knowing how deeply grateful we are for her invaluable contributions to our organization, and that her memory will forever be cherished.