John Augustus DiFilippo

John Augustus DiFilippo, M.D., of Essex Fells, passed away unexpectedly at home on Saturday, November 22, 2025. Born in Rome, Italy to the late Joseph and Pia (nee Sauli) DiFilippo, John was a loving husband, proud father, cherished brother/ brother-in-law, fun uncle, treasured friend, and respected physician.
When he was three years old, John and his parents emigrated to Trenton, New Jersey, where they welcomed his younger sister, Anna. A proud graduate of Villanova University, he earned his medical degree from the University of Roma and completed his Internal Medicine Residency at Mountainside Hospital in Montclair and his Cardiology Fellowship at the East Orange VA Medical Center. A dedicated cardiologist, Dr. DiFilippo compassionately cared for generations of patients at his private practice in Montclair, Mountainside Hospital, and Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center.
He extended kindness, compassion, and a warm smile to everyone he encountered in his office and the hospital corridors for more than 40 years.
Known for his adventurous spirit, intellectual curiosity, and sense of humor, John nurtured a diverse set of interests. He found joy in reading, cooking, gardening, relaxing on his back porch, Villanova basketball, and all things Roman - the history, culture, and food. His athleticism was evident on the slopes in Vermont and the streets of New York City, where he remarkably completed seven marathons. A true globetrotter, John traveled to five continents, often returning to his beloved Italy, where he thrived as a tour guide for family and friends. His personal perspectives and entertaining anecdotes provided a truly unique experience and memories of a lifetime.
John, his wife, and children welcomed many to their Essex Fells and Vermont homes. Laughs were shared on the back porch and ski slopes. Treasured moments were created in the kitchen, where, as a true epicurean, John relished in sharing his love for Italian food and wine. He enjoyed demonstrating his art of risotto, gnocchi, and pizza making to whomever he could, especially the younger generation. John was eager to pour a glass (or bottle) of his favorite selections from his impressively curated wine cellar.
His legendary wit and playful spirit meant that if you spent time with John, you were guaranteed to have your spirits lifted and your cheeks sore from laughing and smiling. A founding member of The Sweetness Club and an esteemed Jelly of the Month Club member, John's legacy will be felt for years to come. From the unforgettable moments to simply watching Columbo and Get Smart, his family will carry the cherished memories created together in their hearts and his words of wisdom in their spirit - "I'd rather live one day as a lion than a thousand days as a sheep."
John is survived by his beloved wife, Patricia "Patty" DiFilippo (Zywicki); his loving children, Michelle (Paul Schmolze), Joseph, and Alessandra DiFilippo; and his former wife and friend, Donatella Giacinti.
He is also survived by his cherished sister, Anna Boyle, and her husband, Jack; his dear sisters- and brothers-in-law: Ellen and Jeff Mittler, Suzanne Zywicki, Carol Wiltshire, and Nancy and Joseph Witt. He is further survived by his adoring nieces and nephews: Stacia (Michael) Hearn, Stephanie Lentini, Julie Witt, Jenny Witt, Elizabeth Wiltshire, Daniel Mittler, and Kaylie (Caroline) Mittler; extended relatives; and dear friends.
Relatives and friends are invited for visitation on Friday, November 28, 2025, from 4 to 8 PM at Shook-Farmer Funeral Home, 45 Roseland Ave., Roseland, New Jersey. A Funeral Mass will be offered on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at 10:30 AM at St. Aloysius Church in Caldwell, with interment to follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in East Hanover. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Bergen Catholic Dr. D Scholarship Fund, Mount Saint Dominic Scholarship Fund or Villanova University Scholarship Fund. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John, please visit our floral store.