Dana Lee Dicocco

Dana Lee DiCocco, 70, of Belchertown, MA, passed away peacefully on March 27, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Born on November 8, 1954, in Schenectady, NY, Dana lived her life with warmth, humor, and an unwavering love for those around her.

Dana is survived by her beloved wife, Mayra DiCocco; her son, Jose Santa and his wife Monica Santa of Tampa, FL; and her daughter, Janet Griffin and her husband Richard Griffin Jr. of Belchertown, MA. She was a devoted and proud grandmother to Isiah Yoder, Angelo Rentas, Isabella Santa, and Adrianna Johnston. Dana also leaves behind her loving sisters, Donna Bobbit and her husband Greg Bobbit, and Patti DiCocco. She shared a special bond with her nephew Jason Lennox of Minnesota, whom she lovingly referred to as her “son from another mother.” In addition to Jason, Dana is survived by many cherished nieces and nephews, all of whom she held close to her heart. She was predeceased by her parents, Armando DiCocco and Patricia Wade.

Those who knew Dana describe her as having a big heart, a kind soul, and being one of the nicest people they had ever met. She could talk your ear off—but always made for great company. Dana loved deeply and lived generously—often making strangers feel like family and offering the shirt off her back without hesitation.

A woman of tradition, Dana found joy in cooking for her family, always making meals with love. She was especially proud of her food traditions—making homemade marinara sauce and pasteles in bulk was a cherished ritual that brought generations together and filled her home with warmth and flavor. She delighted in crab legs, pasta, and had a sweet tooth she never denied. Her favorite drinks included unsweetened iced tea, hot tea, Coke, and ginger ale, and an occasional bloody Mary; simple pleasures that brought her comfort.

Dana had an unmatched ability to encourage, uplift, and celebrate the people she loved. She was the ultimate hype person—making even the smallest accomplishments feel like world records. Her joy was contagious, and her support was fierce and unwavering.

Holiday decorating was her love language—her home was always festive, warm, and filled with family togetherness. Dana treasured time at the beach, loved listening to music, watching game shows, and lighting candles to bring coziness into any room. She embraced life’s simple comforts: lounging in her robe, sporting her favorite flannel shirts, and walking proudly in her everyday rainbow Crocs.

Dana held a bachelor’s degree and proudly retired as a regional property manager with WINN Management, where her leadership, integrity, and compassion left a lasting impact.

Even in her final chapter, Dana never stopped smiling. She faced every challenge with grace and grit, living out her favorite motto: “Work hard, play hard.”

A memorial in Dana's honor will be held on Friday, April 4, 2025 from 4:00PM to 6:00PM at New England Funeral & Cremation Center, 25 Mill Street, Springfield, MA. Please visit Dana’s memorial page at www.nefcc.net for expressions of sympathy.