By Jazmine Ramirez
Billy DiMaio, a 2022 graduate of Chestnut Hill College and a captain of the conference champion men’s lacrosse team, died Jan. 1, 2025.
DiMaio was on Bourbon Street in New Orleans when an individual intentionally drove through the crowd. Fourteen people were killed and dozens were injured. The police killed the attacker in a shootout.
Four of DiMaio’s teammates — Mark Slater, Will Duddy, Evan Farlow, and Noah Hammon — who were freshmen when DiMaio was a senior, shared their memories of Billy.
Mark Slater
1. Explain his personality. Do you remember anything about him? Explain to someone who did not know him.
Billy was always outgoing and willing to interact with anyone. It did not matter if someone was on his team, a different grade level, or someone who was not in his circle. He was always looking out for everyone. He would always allow anyone to sleep on his couch if needed. He let me and any of my teammates crash on his couch no matter what grade level we were. As a freshman, having a fifth-year senior be that nice and welcoming was very beneficial in acclimating to college life.
2. How was playing with him as a teammate?
Billy was the best team captain I have ever had while playing sports. I have played team sports since I was 7, and Billy was hands down the best captain ever. He led by example through his work ethic and would let you know when you were not performing to the standard. He never slacked off because he did not feel like it. He was a great leader and always wanted to get the best out of his teammates.
3. Something you wish you could tell him today?
I wish I could tell Billy how much he meant to me in the first year. He made my transition to college as easy as possible, both on the field and socially. Having a fifth-year captain who cared for a freshman the way he did meant a lot to me.
4. A message to his family?
I would tell his family that they raised a great man. He embodied what you would want your son to be: caring, a great leader, and a fantastic friend. He will be missed.
Will Duddy
1. Explain his personality. Do you remember anything about him? Explain to someone who did not know him.
“Billy D was the definition of a team captain. He always brought the guys together in search of one goal: winning. He was the type of player who woke up for an 8 am lift full of energy, hyping everyone up. He was selfless, always putting the team first, and he was always someone you could reach out to. Billy would be there any time of day and day of the week if you needed something.
2. How was playing with him as a teammate?
It was a gift. I never felt so welcome, even as a freshman on a new team and campus. He made sure I knew I had support and that I had a family (our team) from the start. He’d invite all the guys over every weekend and was the core of our successful team.
3. Something you wish you could tell him today?
I wish I could tell him he was the best leader I’ve ever experienced. Everything he did for me in my first year has shaped my career here at Chestnut Hill. I’d tell him that he motivates everyone who knows him to be the best version of themselves and that his legacy at this school and in this program will live forever.
4. A message to his family?
Thank you, thank you for raising Billy the way you did. Thank you for the opportunity to know him, and may God Bless your family.
Evan Farlow
1. Explain his personality. Do you remember anything about him? Explain to someone who did not know him.
Billy had a tremendous personality. He was incredibly thoughtful of others and treated everyone on the team like family. Something I remember about Billy is when I hit my lowest point in my first year, he took me under his wing and had my back through that tough time. To someone who had no idea who Billy was, you could immediately catch his energy and be able to tell he is incredibly thoughtful of others and just stand-up guy who would do anything for anyone, no matter the time or place.
2. How was playing with him as a teammate?
Playing with Billy was extraordinary. He would always be the team’s best leader and ensure the energy was up and we never lost sight of our goal.
3. Something you wish you could tell him today?
If there were one thing I could tell Billy today I would thank him for everything he did for me when I was a freshman. He is one of the reasons I chose to stay at CHC; he showed me what it was like to be a part of the men’s lacrosse family.
4. A message to his family?
Don’t ever change how you are; you raised a great man, leader, and friend. I know his siblings will live up to how he treated others and do everything in their power to live up to Billy’s standards.
Noah Hammon
1. Explain his personality. Do you remember anything about him? Explain to someone who did not know him.
Billy D was the definition of a captain. He cared about everyone who was around, and even if you were just a freshman, it didn’t matter. He was always there for you no matter what, and he’s always someone you can go to talk to.
2. How was playing with him as a teammate?
It was something special. I never got to play in a game with Billy because I was a red shirt, he made every practice feel special. He brought the energy every single day.
3. Something you wish you could tell him today?
I wish I could tell him how happy I am to meet someone like him he really inspired me and kept me at Chestnut Hill. He showed me the way in the drive you had to have to play at a certain level.
4. A message to his family?
My condolences to you guys thank you for giving me such a great friend and a great mentor.
On Instagram, the men’s lacrosse team posted a tribute to Billy DiMaio:
The Chestnut Hill College Lacrosse Family is devastated by the unimaginable loss of alumnus and former team captain Billy DiMaio. Billy was not only a great lacrosse player but, more significantly, a loving son, brother, teammate, and friend. We extend our heartfelt sympathies to his family, friends, and former teammates on the sudden loss of Billy in the tragic and horrific events that took place on New Year’s Day in New Orleans. Billy played the game with great passion, which was felt by everyone who shared the field with him. He brought a genuine love for lacrosse and an infectious energy with him everywhere he played, from Long Island to Holmdel to Chestnut Hill. The impact he had on our program was profound but pales in comparison to the unforgettable impression he made on everyone who knew him. Billy was the epitome of what it meant to be a Griffin lacrosse player. He gave his whole heart, effort, and dedication in all of his endeavors at Chestnut Hill College and beyond. We will miss him terribly. Rest in Peace, Sticks. We love you, Billy D.
