Celebrating the Life of Judith Mary Margaret Salway DiPietro

February 29, 1940 – June 26, 2026

“To know Judy was to feel welcomed.”

Born on February 29, 1940, in Boston, Massachusetts, Judy was one of seven children born to Bernard C. Salway and Mary J. McLellan. She grew up in Boston surrounded by the love and laughter of a large family.

In 1959, Judy married Emidio Armando DiPietro, aka Jay DiPietro, and together they welcomed four sons, Joseph Richard, Richard Joseph, Jay Edward, and Frank James DiPietro. Although their marriage later ended, the family they created remained the center of Judy’s life. Her four sons were her greatest pride and became the foundation of the large, loving family she cherished for the rest of her life.

In 1969, Judy and her family moved to Miami, Florida, where she made her home for the remainder of her life.

In Miami, Judy enjoyed a rewarding career as an administrative professional, beginning with the Institute for Acoustical Research and concluding with Underwater Services, where she was regularly recognized for her dedication, professionalism, and invaluable contributions to the success of both organizations. She also proudly participated in several statewide political campaigns throughout Florida and served as Secretary for a Dade County Political Party. While she found fulfillment in her work, it was her unwavering Catholic faith, her love for her family, and her heart for serving others that truly defined her life.

A devoted parishioner of Annunciation Catholic Church, Judy generously volunteered countless hours to her church and community. She was an active member of the Legion of Mary, faithfully served in the Respect Life ministry, and became affectionately known by generations of parishioners as the beloved “Coffee & Donut Lady,” serving after Mass for more than thirty years. Through these ministries, she quietly touched countless lives with her kindness, compassion, and servant’s heart.

Judy also treasured the gift of lifelong friendship. She shared a remarkable bond with her dear friends Connie, Dee, and Joy, whose friendship spanned decades. Together they celebrated life’s happiest moments, supported one another through its greatest challenges, and created countless memories filled with laughter, faith, and unwavering loyalty. Judy considered their friendship one of God’s many blessings, and they remained a constant source of love and strength throughout her life.

To know Judy was to feel welcomed. Whether you were family, a lifelong friend, or someone she had just met, she had a remarkable gift for making everyone feel accepted, valued, and loved. She never hesitated to help someone in need, opening her home to family and friends, offering encouragement to those who were struggling, and giving freely of herself without expecting anything in return. Her faith wasn’t simply something she believed, it was something she lived every single day.

Judy is lovingly survived by her four sons and daughters-in-law: Joseph Richard and Silvia DiPietro, Richard Joseph and Kimber DiPietro, Jay Edward and Lora DiPietro, and Frank James and Judi DiPietro.

She was the cherished grandmother of Erica Chambers and Kim Blasberg; Madison DiPietro; Kayla and John Blake; Dillon DiPietro; Austin DiPietro; Matthew DiPietro; Jessica DiPietro; Reece DiPietro; Stephen and Emma DiPietro; Riley DiPietro; and Jenna DiPietro, and the proud great-grandmother of Meadow, Ryleigh, Aria, Ryan, Charlotte, and Carson.

She is also lovingly survived by her brothers, Bernard Salway and Jimmy Salway, her beloved godchildren, Katie Rebholz and John Sullivan, and many beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, all of whom held a special place in her heart.

Judy shared a special bond with each of her four daughters-in-law, whom she loved as daughters. That love was returned wholeheartedly, and each of them adored her. Her family was her greatest treasure, and nothing brought her more happiness than having everyone together.

Her children and grandchildren knew that an unexpected visit would always be met with Judy’s unmistakable squeal of excitement and a warm embrace that instantly made everyone feel at home. Every grandchild knew they held a special place in Grandma Judy’s heart, and some of their happiest memories were the simple trips to Cracker Barrel whenever she came to visit. Along with the annual St. Patrick’s Day Carnival at Annunciation Catholic Church, these moments became treasured family traditions that will forever bring smiles through tears.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Bernard C. Salway and Mary J. McLellan, and her siblings, Teresa Salway, Janet and Skip Sullivan, Nancy and Joel Kaplan, and Duncan Salway.

Family and friends are invited to gather in faith, remembrance, and thanksgiving as we celebrate Judy’s remarkable life.

Viewing

Tuesday, July 7, 2026

2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Joseph A. Scarano Presidential Circle Memorial Chapel

4351 Hollywood Boulevard

Hollywood, Florida 33021

Funeral Mass

Wednesday, July 8, 2026

10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Annunciation Catholic Church

3781 Southwest 39th Street

West Park, Florida 33023

A Celebration of Life will immediately follow the Funeral Mass in the church hall.

Judy measured her life not by what she accumulated, but by the people she loved, the faith she lived, and the kindness she shared. She leaves behind a family who loved her beyond words and a community made better by her generosity, steadfast faith, and servant’s heart. Though we will miss her every day, we find comfort in knowing she has been welcomed into the loving arms of her Savior. Her love lives on in every life she touched, every act of kindness she inspired, and every family gathering where her memory will forever have a place.

If you knew Judy, honor her memory by welcoming someone, helping someone in need, or simply sharing a smile. Nothing would have made her happier.

The DiPietro family extends our heartfelt gratitude for the many prayers, expressions of sympathy, acts of kindness, and unwavering support we have received during this difficult time. Your presence today is a blessing and a source of great comfort to our family.

We especially thank the clergy and parish family of Annunciation Catholic Church, our extended family, lifelong friends, neighbors, and everyone whose love and friendship enriched Judy’s life.

Judy’s greatest wish was for those around her to feel welcomed, loved, and cared for. We hope that as you leave today, you carry a little of her kindness with you and share it with someone else. In doing so, her beautiful legacy will continue to live on.

The Joseph A. Scarano Pines Memorial Chapel is honored to assist the DiPietro family with the arrangements. 954-438-8222