Funeral held for 25-year-old NJ man killed in New Orleans terror attack
HOLMDEL, New Jersey (WABC) -- Family, friends, and those who knew 25-year-old Billy DiMaio paid tribute to him during a funeral service in Holmdel on Thursday.
The standout athlete, son, and brother was one of the 14 victims killed in the New Year's Day terrorist act in New Orleans.
He was with friends on Bourbon Street when a man inspired by ISIS drove his truck into a crowd of people.
DiMaio's funeral was held at St. Catherine's Church in his hometown of Holmdel and was packed with friends and family. They say his life was defined by positivity and kindness before it was cut short.
Billy's parents Bill and Tracie DiMaio are heartbroken. He is remembered as a caring person who loved his brother, Anthony and sister, Samantha.
"Billy had a smile that could light up a room, and his laughter was truly infectious," the family said in a statement. "His energetic personality inspired everyone around him. He cared for others more than himself and, as the oldest brother to Samantha and Anthony held a unique and irreplaceable role in their lives as well as cousins and friends. He will be dearly missed."
DiMaio graduated in 2022 from Chestnut Hill College where he was a midfielder on the lacrosse team, the athletic director told Eyewitness News.
On Friday the State of Louisiana will remember Billy, as it has honored each victim with a special day, paying tribute to those who lost their lives in the heinous act of violence.
New Jersey will also honor DiMaio on Friday and lower flags to half-staff.
RELATED | Family, friends mourn deaths of 3 men killed in New Orleans attack
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