Anthony J. Girifalco

Anthony John Girifalco, age 70, of Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, passed away on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, in the Phoenixville Hospital. Born on November 7, 1954, in Wilmington, Delaware, he was a son of the late Catherine Ann (Lyons) and Dr. Louis Anthony Girifalco. Tony is survived by his children Colette M. Girifalco, Antonio G. Girifalco, and Michaelangelo V. Girifalco; granddaughter: Maeve A. Trautz; and siblings Sandy Girifalco, Robert Girifalco, Terry Girifalco and Dori Malloy. He was preceded in death by siblings Mary Brauner, John Girifalco and, Stephen Girifalco. Raised in Bala-Cynwyd, Tony was, with his many good friends, a colorful and accomplished figure at Lower Merion High School. He earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Pennsylvania and a Master's degree in English Literature from Georgetown University. He enjoyed golf and was an avid reader, a gifted pianist, writer and speaker, always sought after as the family eulogist. His sparkling green eyes, infectious smile and outgoing personality made him popular with everyone, especially women. He was finally smitten by the love of his life, Renee Sando, and they married on August 23, 1986. Although their marriage ended, they remained friends and continued to care for each other. Tony was Executive Vice President and a founding member of DVIRC (Delaware Valley Industrial Resource Center) since 1988. According to DVIRC, Tony was a driving force behind DVIRC's success, leading corporate strategy, securing state and federal funding, and advancing workforce development initiatives. In 2024, Tony was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Manufacturing Excellence Awards, recognizing his remarkable contributions to the manufacturing industry. Tony was diagnosed with Stage IV cancer this past May. Consistent with his generous spirit, Tony was an organ donor. Relatives and friends will be received on Friday, July 25, 2025, at Campbell - Ennis - Klotzbach Funeral Home, 610 S. Main Street, Phoenixville, PA, 19460, 610-933-3572, from 2:00 - 4:00 and 7:00 - 7:30 p.m. A memorial service will begin promptly at 7:30 p.m. The family will continue to receive friends from the completion of the memorial service until 9:00 p.m. There is no parking lot but there is plenty of street parking. Interment is private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the "Education Fund for Maeve Trautz," Tony's granddaughter, who gave light and much happiness to his life. Donations can be sent c/o Sandy Girifalco, 301 Ap Even Rd., Wayne, PA 19087. Arrangements are being handled by the Campbell - Ennis - Klotzbach Funeral Home, Inc. Condolences may be offered online at www.PhoenixvilleFuneralHome.com.