Eugene B. DeFilippo 1924-2022

1924 - 2022

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