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Eugene B. DeFilippo
1924-2022
EASTHAMPTON, MA — Our dad, Eugene (Gene) B. DeFilippo was our hero. He died on his wedding anniversary September 5, 2022.
He was born on October 2, 1924, to John and Adeline DeFilippo in East Haven, CT. He came from a loving Italian home and was the youngest of 9 children. Dad was fondly referred to as "Chick" or "Flip" by many of his friends and family.
Six months after graduating from high school he enlisted in the Army Air Corps, and after 9 months of training, was flying B24's at the age of 19 years old. He was based in Italy. He proudly served our country flying 51 missions during WWII. He was called back to the Korean War and was a Lieutenant Commander in the Coast Guard Reserves for over 20 years.
Shortly after returning to the states dad met the love of his life Anne Caporale, and they courted for four years while he attended the College of Holy Cross. Dad played football for the Cross, and Mom loved cheering for him and attended all his games. He was in the 1946 Orange Bowl.
After graduation, mom and dad were married in September of 1949, and together enjoyed 71 years of a loving marriage raising 6 children: Gene and wife Anne of Wellesley Hills, MA, Dianne Socha and husband Mike of Gales Ferry, CT, Andrea DeFilippo of LaVale, MD, Adele Tatro and husband David of Sandusky, OH, MaryLou DeFilippo and husband Steve Mikelis of Whately, MA, Paul DeFilippo of Winchester, MA, and adopted daughter Janice Frey and husband Skip of Easthampton, MA. His children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren provided such a source of happiness to his life. He leaves 12 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.
Dad got his Master's Degree from UMASS, and became a history and math teacher at Northampton High School. His knowledge of history and politics was amazing. Our dinner conversations with him left us all asking even more questions. While teaching he was also the football coach at the high school for 13 years. Dad also coached semi-pro football for the Holyoke Knights and was inducted in the MA Coaches Hall of Fame. He loved his students. He loved his players. He loved the game. The special bond and love he felt toward them his whole life will never be broken. His players often said they played football because it was him coaching and credit him with life lessons they've learned. Dad eventually took the job of Vice Principal at the High School. Having summers off, he became a lifeguard at the DAR State Forest where the six of us kids were able to spend time together as a family making memories.
After retiring, Dad and mom spent 30 winters in Cocoa Beach, FL. They loved the beach, Patrick Air Force Base, road trips, boating on the river, wildlife refuges, and most of all having family come down to enjoy it with them. They were blessed with a new group of friends that became their family and ours.
Our Dad was not the average 97-year-old. He faithfully did his exercises every morning, rode his bike on the bike path up until last year, and flew single engine Cessna airplanes until he was 85 years old. He was an avid reader and gardener. None of us kids could grow flowers like Dad. He trimmed his own bushes and shrubs even though he paid for those services with condo fees. He did all his own shopping, drove himself to all his appointments, and took drives almost daily to the hill towns and surrounding parks. He loved the outdoors.
Most of all, dad never wanted to be a burden and we feel so fortunate that he was so healthy and able to enjoy so many wonderful years. He missed our mom dearly after her passing on January 27, 2021, and has been there for of us who were not ready to again say farewell. Through this tragedy, we know that dad is with mom and will now and forever be happy in her arms. Fly high Sky King.
Services and burial are private. There will be a Celebration of Life at a future date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that gifts be made in his memory to Look Memorial Park, 300 North Main Street, Florence, MA 01062. The family would like to get a bench in his name at the park that he so enjoyed.
Ahearn Funeral Home
(413)587-0044
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sending sincere condolences to the DeFilippo family. Fond memories of Gene and Anne at the many gathering of staff while working in Obstetrics at CDH. Blessing to all the family
Mary Powers
Mary Powers
Friend
November 8, 2022
Geno - so sorry to read of you Dad's passing. He lived a long life and impacted so many lives which is the greatest measure of a person. Praying for you & your family.
Dave McConkey
School
September 30, 2022
Condolences to the DeFilippo family. My dad taught at NHS & was a good friend. I'm sure they're talking football together once again.
Patti Provoncha
Other
September 24, 2022
Stunned to hear of Coach's passing, in my mind he was indestructible. Still see Coach Conz and him walking the sideline and of course behind his desk during one of my "visits". A legendary, straight forward icon that I was lucky to meet. My deepest sympathy to the family.
Dave Blinn NHS '71
Dave Blinn
School
September 20, 2022
In passing Gene´s residence a few minutes ago, walking with my partner, Judie, we learned the terribly shocking and very sad news of Gene´s passing.
As neighbors and friends, Judie and I have learned much about the long and incredible life lived by this amazing citizen. His service to this country, and his stellar example of what courage and commitment can manifest is unparalleled in my mind. Gene one day took Judie and I into his garage to share and elaborate on all his photographs of the myriad of aircraft that he flew throughout his long and miraculous career. His love for his beloved wife, Anne, was always present and felt strongly when our conversation include her memory!
We wish to express our deepest condolences to all the family of this gracious and remarkable man. We knew Gene for only a short time, but are better individuals for knowing him! And have only gratitude for the kindness and enthusiasm he should us every time we met on our walks.
Peter Williams Judie Derouin
Friend
September 19, 2022
Marylou and family: We were so saddened to hear of your Dad´s tragic passing. May he rest peacefully with your Mom in Heaven. Our hearts go out to you and your family. May the memories you share comfort you at this difficult time. You all will be in our thoughts and prayers. With sympathy, Carole and David Brown
Carole and David Brown
September 19, 2022
Dear Adele and Family
My condolences to you and your family. Your dad was a wonderful man and and will be truly missed by all. He left us all beautiful memories and he lived life to the fullest.
God Bless you and your Family
Rae Ann (Thibodo) Frenette
School
September 18, 2022
Prayers and sympathy to the family.My first intro to Gene and Ann was as a Springfield Union (early am paperboy) in the mid 50´s.George OLeary. Naples Fl.
George OLeary
September 18, 2022
I´m so sorry for your loss, MaryLou. I hope you find comfort in your father´s memory and legacy.
Jennifer Fletcher
September 18, 2022
So sorry to read this Obit. What a great man Gene was. For him to have left us in this manner just seems so unfare
Coach was such a great man and loved by his football players & students.
Coach we love you & will miss you, My God bless.
John & Carole Zalesky
John Zalesky
School
September 17, 2022
He was an interesting and fun loving man. I was blessed to be friends with 2 of his daughters, who too had his sense of humor. I hope that a posting will be made for his memorial service because I surly will attend. My heart goes out to all his extended family!!! Barbara (Hurley) Nalewanski.
Barbara (Hurley) Nalewanski
Friend
September 17, 2022
A great coach, mentor, person and educator. Other than my Dad, Coach was the biggest influence on my life. He will be missed
Boyd Tomasetti
NHS 1962
Boyd Tomasetti
School
September 16, 2022
Our deepest sympathy to all of Gene's family
Ed & Shirley Hennessy
September 16, 2022
Andrea, my dad and your dad were great friends for many years. ( Hav Purseglove) I remember your dad when he was principal at the high school. Very nice guy. I am extending my condolences to your whole family. So very sorry for your loss. Melissa.
Melissa Nye
September 16, 2022
Condolences to The DeFilippo Family. Sorry for your loss.
Rick Konieczny EHS
Rick Konieczny
September 16, 2022
May you Rest In Peace. I will never forget all that you did for me as an individual, my teammates and Northampton High School football.
Tom Barker
September 16, 2022
MAY HE REST IN PEACE....HE HAS LIVED A LONG HAPPY LIFE
cindy rivard
September 15, 2022
My deepest sympathy for the entire DeFillipo family. Dad was truly a nice guy ! A great sports coach for many who continued his "coaching" career as Vice Principal.. Many, myself included, learned lessons from him that helped us become who we are. Thanks for sharing his story !!
Andy Trushaw
September 15, 2022
Dear DeFilippo family, I am sorry for your loss. What a wonderful life he had. I am so glad I got to know him later in life. Gene was one of a kind. I will miss him. Love and prayers.
Terry Carr
Friend
September 15, 2022
So sorry for your loss
Geralyn Smith
Friend
September 15, 2022
Very sorry about loss of your father and grandfather; he was a wonderful and kind man; my heart goes out to you, Joseph Crawley
Joseph Crawley
September 15, 2022
What a wonderful life and great man he was. The memories you made as a family will be with you forever. Thank you for sharing some of those memories with me so that I could learn a little of what our dads went through together in the war in those planes! My deepest sympathies to all of his family. ~Nikki Jean (Debbi Okla) Albert Brogans daughter
Debbi Okla (Nikki Jean)
September 15, 2022
Dear Adele, MaryLou and families
My deepest sympathies to you all during this difficult time. Your dad was such an icon of NHS is many ways. May your memories comfort you.
Laurie Korza
September 15, 2022
Dear MaryLou and Family, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your Dad. May his loving memories stay in your heart forever. Our deepest sympathy, Parsons Family.
Jeff Parsons
Work
September 15, 2022
I was so sorry to hear about your father´s passing. He was a great man who will be missed by all who were privileged to know him. I have many fond memories of my high school days playing for Coach DeFilippo. May he Rest In Peace.
Mike O´Brien
Friend
September 15, 2022
What a beautiful obituary. You have many wonderful memories to help you through this difficult time.
Mona Balicki
September 15, 2022
Another mentor from my public education years passing beyond the veil. Truly wonderful to know more about Mr. DeFilippo's life outside of his work, and even better to know about his long and well lived retirement. Warmest regards to his family, and sincere condolences.
Doug Finn
Other
September 15, 2022
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Ahearn Funeral Home - Northampton783 Bridge Road, Northampton, MA 01060
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