Vincent James Filliben, Sr.
February 3, 1930 - June 22, 2015
Vincent Filliben passed away peacefully at home with his devoted wife of 59 years, Eleanor, and family by his side. He is survived by his children: Theresa Filliben, Kathy McCoy and husband Scott, Vincent Filliben Jr. (VJ) and wife Tammy, Anne Filliben Dougherty and husband Tucker, and Sean Filliben. His son, Mark, passed away in 1965.
He is also survived by eleven grandchildren, Vincent Filliben III (Jamie) (Heather), Samantha Filliben, Taylor Filliben, Kevin McCoy (Sarah), Kristin McCoy, Michael Filliben, Tovi Filliben-Johnson, Abigail Filliben, Zachary Filliben, Ryan Dougherty, and Thomas Dougherty; and three great-grandchildren Ford, Margot, and Kate. Vincent is predeceased by his parents John and Elizabeth, brothers John, Robert, Edward, and Norbert, and survived by brothers Francis and James, and sister Mary Margaret Algeo. Vincent graduated from Archmere in 1947 where he excelled as an athlete playing football, basketball, and baseball. He graduated from Drexel University, studying commerce and engineering while playing basketball and baseball. He played baseball in the Pittsburgh Pirates farm system. He served in the Korean War and was stationed in the Far East where he played basketball and baseball in the 40th AAA in Japan. While serving in the army, he received a phone call from the principal and head master of Archmere, Father Justin E. Diny, who offered him the opportunity to coach and teach Math at his alma mater. Vincent began his 37 year coaching and teaching career in fall of 1954. He coached football (1954-1958), basketball (1954-1985), baseball (1954-1985), and served as athletic director until 1992. In addition, he was a basketball official for IAABO (International Association of Approved Basketball Officials) and a rules interpreter for 20 years. He received numerous recognitions from his athletic/coaching career: 1978- Archmere Academy Alumnus of the Year, 1980- Accolades for his 300 plus basketball victories and .764 winning percentage, 1992- Archmere Academy Sports Hall of Fame, 1995- DELCO Sports Hall of Fame, 2010 - Archmere dedicated the Moglia Fieldhouse Court in his name, 2015- Delaware Basketball Hall of Fame. Vincent was also a man of strong faith and an active participant in The Church of the Holy Child where he served as lector, usher, and Eucharistic minister. He started the first Knights of Columbus council #12190, and was the Grand Knight of that council. Later, he was inducted as a Fourth degree Knight.
Friends and family are invited to a viewing at the Patio at Archmere Academy, 3600 Philadelphia Pike, Claymont, DE on Thursday, June 25 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Another viewing will be held the following day, Friday, June 26, from 8:45 a.m.-9:45 a.m. in the Performing Arts Center at Archmere Academy with a Mass of Christian Burial offered at 10 a.m. Interment will follow Mass at St. Joseph on the Brandywine Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Archmere Academy Education Fund in memory of Vincent J. Filliben Sr.
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