Joseph V. DiFilippo

1954 - 2024

Joseph V. ""Joe Joe"" DiFilippo, 70, of Fort Wayne, passed away on December 1, 2024, beloved husband, father, coach, and friend, "let the old man in" on November 30. Born on June 18, 1954, in Fort Wayne, Joe lived a life dedicated to service, community, and the people he loved most. A proud 1973 Bishop Dwenger graduate, Joe served as a patrolman for the Fort Wayne Police Department for 30 years. He was also deeply dedicated to the Fraternal Order of Police Wayne Lodge 14, where he served with pride and honor. His contributions to the Lodge exemplified his lifelong commitment to supporting his community and standing up for what was right. Joe was a loyal Fort Wayne Rugby Club member for 50 years, leaving an indelible mark on the rugby community. For over 20 years, he also served as a cornerstone of the Bishop Dwenger Rugby Club, touching countless lives on and off the field. He instilled teamwork, perseverance, and sportsmanship values in his players, creating a culture as a coach that will endure through the many lives he inspired. He was a master of never letting the struggles of life interfere with the pleasures of living. Joe loved fishing, casinos, family vacations, rugby trips, and enjoying a cigar on the deck with his dogs. Known for his humor, sage advice, and unwavering love for his family, Joe was a man of integrity. Whether coaching, checking on the lodge, singing a song, or sharing stories, he approached life with willingness and heart. Joe is survived by the love of his life, Connie Mae DiFilippo; his son, Sam DiFilippo; his daughters, Jessica Bennett and Olivia (Adam) Salzman; and grandchildren, Asia, Maryn, Beauden, and Shepherd; his brothers, John (Karla) DiFilippo and Don (Cheryl) DiFilippo; sisters, Connie Marie Loy, Margie Diehl, Rita (Clint) Lightner, and Mary (Bob) Bloom and his many nieces and nephews, rugby mates, and his Jack Russell Terriers Jemma and Jolie. He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Frances DiFilippo, and his sister, Virginia DiFilippo. A funeral mass will be held at 10:30 am Saturday, December 7, 2024 at St. Jude Catholic Church, 2155 Randallia Dr., Fort Wayne. There will be a visitation for one hour prior to the mass. The family will receive relatives and friends from 2:00 pm - 8:00 pm on Friday, December 6, 2024 at Divine Mercy Funeral Home, 3500 Lake Ave., Fort Wayne. Burial will follow at Catholic Cemetery with Police Honors. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bishop Dwenger Rugby Club in his memory. Online condolences may be left at www.divinemercyfuneralhome.com.