Maria De Filippo

Maria De Filippo died on March 15, 2023, in Sheboygan, WI, at the age of 29. She is survived by her partner of 11 years, Jesse Pask; mother, Carol De Filippo; uncle, Kenneth De Filippo; and godmother, Angela De Filippo. She was predeceased by uncle and godfather, Richard De Filippo. Maria will also be remembered by many cousins, including Marc De Filippo and wife Anna, Matthew De Filippo, Nick De Filippo and wife Michelle, Bill De Filippo and daughter Mollie, and Karen Agrifolio. Our family is grateful especially to our dog Max, Franklin who warmed her lap, Tucker who will miss sharing her pillow every night, and Izzy who attended her death.
Maria was born in Tegucigalpa, Honduras in 1993 and was welcomed home to Rochester, NY as Carol's daughter in June of 1995. We remembered the sacrifice made by Maria's birthmother whom we called "Mama Doris" on each of the birthdays we celebrated in her adopted home and acknowledge Mama Doris at Maria's death with tremendous gratitude. Maria was also loved by her foster family -- Mama Rebeca and Papí, "Little" Rebeca, Monica, and Mauricio -- who cared for her in Honduras during the long adoption process.
Maria was an outstanding athlete, competing locally at soccer, swimming, diving, figure skating, and horseback riding. She was a graduate of Brighton High School where she was known for excelling at the sprint, long jump, and 4x200 relay events. She was also a scholar, earning a BFA degree in Creative Photography from St. John's University, a Certificate from the International Center of Photography in New York City, and an MS degree from the Saunders College of Business at Rochester Institute of Technology with a concentration in New Product and Service Development, adding to her skills in service management. But Maria's inherent passion was hands-on care for dogs. She was employed at several dog daycare facilities in Rochester and Sheboygan, WI, where she moved to join her partner, Jesse. Maria leaves behind countless dear friends in New York and Wisconsin, from high school classes, summer camps, and sports fields; St. John's and RIT; and each dog daycare play yard.
Friends may call Sunday, April 2 from 2-5PM at Anthony Funeral Chapel, 2305 Monroe Avenue. A Funeral Mass will be held Monday, April 3, 10AM at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 150 Varinna Dr., Rochester, NY followed by burial at Mt. Hope Cemetery and reception in the Social Hall at St. Anne Church, 1600 Mt. Hope Avenue. The Mass will be livestreamed here. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to any organization that benefits animals or the environment.