Billy DiMaio never sat still, whether he was playing lacrosse, running marathons, working out or lending a hand to his folks or anyone else in need of help.
"He was a good, humble kid," DiMaio's father, Bill DiMaio, 53, said. "He loved life."
Billy DiMaio, 25, was one of the 14 people killed early Wednesday morning when a man drove a truck down Bourbon Street in New Orleans through a crowd of New Year's revelers in what officials are investigating as an act of terrorism.
Billy DiMaio, 25.
"He was a pure, gentle-hearted soul. He will be truly missed," Billy DiMaio's mother, Tracie, 55, said.
Billy DiMaio was a New York-based account executive with Audacy Inc., and the oldest of three children. He was very close with his sister and brother and considered his father his best friend, Tracie DiMaio said.
"We did everything together," she said.
Billy DiMaio was family-oriented, his parents said. He loved spending time with relatives and even had a tattoo featuring all of his cousins' names.
"He put his family first, and his friends meant the whole world to him," Tracie DiMaio said.
Billy DiMaio grew up on Long Island, New York. That's where he first picked up a lacrosse stick, according to his parents.
"He started and fell in love with it," Bill DiMaio said.
His passion grew even after the family moved to Holmdel, New Jersey. Though active in just about every sport — football, hockey, running, etc. — lacrosse became his main focus.
Billy DiMaio was captain of his team at Chestnut Hill College in Philadelphia. He trained other children to play, as well, Bill DiMaio said.
After graduation in 2022, he earned a master's degree in business. Billy DiMaio began working at Audacy in 2023.
On Thursday, the company released the following statement:
"Beyond his professional achievements, Billy will be fondly remembered for his unwavering work ethic, positive attitude, and kindness. He was a true asset to the Audacy team, and his contributions and presence will be deeply missed. Our thoughts are with Billy's family and friends during this exceedingly difficult time, and we extend our deepest sympathies to them and every member of the Audacy family who had the privilege of working with him.”
Billy DiMaio traveled to the New Orleans area to celebrate New Year's and hang out with friends who were attending the Sugar Bowl, his parents said. His friends were not injured in the attack.
On Wednesday, the DiMaio family remembered Billy as a positive force who wanted nothing more than to make others happy.
"He was a special child," Bill DiMaio said. "He had a gift that everyone saw right away. Right away."
