Diane ("Dee") E. DeGeiso, 76, formerly of Newark NJ, passed away January 28, 2022 in Northampton, MA. Dee was born, raised, and educated in Newark, where she lived on the same block of Underwood St. until she married. She graduated from West Side HS, the alma mater of her father, where she was a cheerleader.
Dee received a B.A. in English Education from Montclair State College in 1967 and shortly afterwards earned an M.A. in psychology and graduate certification as a school psychologist from Montclair State. She taught high school English and was a school psychologist in New Jersey until she moved to Amherst, MA in 1976 to pursue an M.A. in American History from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. After earning that M.A., she worked as a school psychologist in the Amherst and Northampton public schools for several years, and then attended Western New England School of Law in Springfield, MA. She earned her J.D. magna cum laude and taught legal writing for several years at her alma mater and at Gonzaga University School of Law. She co-founded the Northampton Film Festival and went on to create the "Feelin' the Beat" Tap Dance Festival. Dee was immersed in the Arts in the Northampton community. She was an active member of the Rock Voices Choir which gave her the big break to sing rock 'n' roll on numerous stages. Dee loved Italy and traveled there multiple times.
Dee was predeceased by her parents, Salvatore and Antoinette (Pastore) DeGeiso, and her Uncle Pat Pastore, who was like a big brother to her. She is survived by her cousins, Judy Killmon and Lois Cremonni. Dee was married twice and remained close friends with her two ex-husbands, Emmett Barcalow and Howard Polonsky, who deeply mourn her passing. She is also survived by the many people who knew her, loved her, and shared the vibrancy of her life, including her lifelong friends, the Underwood Girls.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Rock Voices (please write "In Memory of Dee DeGeiso" in the memo line), PO Box 623, Hadley, MA 01035.
Dee's friends and family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the staff at Linda Manor assisted living for their care and love. They would also like to thank Jill C. Turati, LSW for the support that she offered by her professional help and friendship to Dee.
A celebration of life will be held in the spring. Boucher – O'Brien Funeral Home in Easthampton is entrusted with her service.