Diane E. Barresi

BEVERLY- Diane Elizabeth (Salerno)Barresi, 79, beloved wife of William Barresi, passed away November 17th, 2025 at home in Beverly, surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Boston, she was the daughter of the late John and Cecelia (Dunphy) Salerno. She was raised and educated in Winthrop and was a graduate of Winthrop High School.

When her children were young, Diane worked as a Crossing Guard in Beverly for several years so she would be home when the children got home from school. As her children grew, Diane began her career as an executive secretary to the principal at Memorial Middle School in Beverly for over 10 years. Following the school’s closing, Diane transferred to Briscoe Middle School for several years until the time of her retirement.

A loving wife, mother, and grandmother, Diane was truly happiest when surrounded by her family. She was immensely proud of her children and their many accomplishments and was over the moon when the grandchildren came along. She traveled to Texas as often as she could to be a part of their lives and watch them grow. Always letting them know how much she loved them. Diane had an adventurous spirit and would be the first to say, “I’ll try it”. Her spirit and daring - perfectly complemented her husband’s more reserved nature. Kind and generous, she lent her support to various Veteran causes, animal charities and her community. Diane loved music and dancing and had an eclectic taste in music from the classics, soft rock to rock-in-roll. She was an avid reader and New England Patriots fan. Above all, Diane found great solace and joy when with her family and will be deeply missed by them.

Surviving Diane, in addition to her husband with whom she shared 56 years of marriage, is her daughter, Lea Barresi and her partner, Scott Daneluk of Beverly, her son, William Barresi and his wife, Rachael of Lantana, Texas, her three grandchildren, Drew, Camden, and Kate of Lantana, Texas, her brother, John Salerno of Newton, NH; and a niece, Ellen who resides in California.

ARRANGMENTS: Relatives and friends are invited to Diane and Bill’s funeral service which will be held at O’Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 84 Washington Sq., (at Salem Common) SALEM on Friday, January 9, 2026 at 12 (noon). Burial in North Beverly Cemetery. Visiting hours will be held prior to the service from 10 to 11:30 AM. Expressions of sympathy may be made in Diane’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com.