JOSEPH DOMINICK DI MATTIA was born on September 26, 1925 in Camden, New Jersey to Maria and Pietro DiMattia. The 1947 Camden City Directory shows the family, which included sister Mary, living at 334 Walnut Street in South Camden. The family had been at that address as early as 1924. Joseph D. DiMattia later moved to 3168 Colorado Road in Camden's Fairview section.

Joseph D. DiMattia was appointed to the Camden Fire Department on April 1, 1952. He reported for duty the same day. He retired from the department on pension effective January 1, 1968, having achieved the rank of Captain..

Joseph D. DiMattia passed away on August 15, 1985.