Philip Angelo Saggione Jr.

Philip Angelo Saggione, Jr., age 97, fondly known to many as "Phil or Junior", a lifelong resident of Wilmington passed away on January 17, 2025, surrounded by his family.
Born in Wilmington, Phil was the son of the late Mary Elizabeth (Juliano) and Philip Angelo Saggione, Sr. He attended Brown Vocational High School and went on to serve his country proudly in the United States Navy during World War II. Phil was on board the USS Missouri (BB-63) during the formal surrender of the Japanese forces to the Allied forces on September 2, 1945. He was a member of the USS Missouri Association, that preserves the history of the Missouri and the list of shipmates who served on board the 'Mighty Mo'. Phil can be found in photos and documentation regarding the USS Missouri at the Fort Miles Museum in Lewes, Delaware.
After honorably serving his country, Phil went on to work for 60 years at Economy/Seymour's Cleaners in Wilmington. Phil was a longstanding parishioner of St. Elizabeth's Catholic Church and was honored to act as an usher for Sunday Mass. He was a founding member of St. Elizabeth's Athletic Association.
Phil was a musician with The Merry Men, formally known as The Bill Sharp Trio. Phil's love of music was constant and he continued to play the organ and his accordion while singing to everyone until the time of his passing. Phil provided his family with tremendous joy every Christmas Eve as he played his accordion and sang along with his grandchildren to their favorite carols.
At the age of 92 Phil started a new hobby - paint by number pictures. His approximately 75 beautiful paintings are displayed and cherished by family and friends. He enjoyed frequent outings to Delaware Park, but most importantly, Phil treasured his time with his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchild.
In addition to his parents, Phil is predeceased by his wife of 57 years, Rose M. (Celano) Saggione and his siblings Anthony (Buddy) Saggione, Margaret Taylor, Theresa DiTomasso and his best friend Leo Papili.
He is survived by his children and their spouses, Philip A. III (Phyllis), Joseph (Susan), Michael (Judy), Rose Marie, Mary Ann Kryspin (Jerry); his grandchildren, Gina (Tripp), Philip IV (Kim), Joseph II (Stephanie), Daniel (Lori), Melissa, Michael Jr., Christina (Michael), Amy (Ron), Mark (Mackenzi), Jamie (Ashley), Jerry Jr., and Amanda; his great grandchildren Trevor, Maddi, Dominic, Jake, Kylie, Khloe, Emma, Gabby, Lydia, Irene, Leo, Nicholas, Madison, Mia, Ava, Jordan, Haylie, Naomi, Amy, Emaleigh, Meadow, Makayla, Missouri, Camren, Sophia, Avery, Jerry III, Jonny, Allison, and Colin; his great-great grandchild, Kinnleigh; his sister, Anna Marie Leo; his sister-in-law, Nancy DiVirgilio; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday January 29th from 9:30 A.M to 11:15 A.M. at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, Clayton and Cedar Streets, Wilmington, DE. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30 A.M. Burial will follow at Cathedral Cemetery, Wilmington. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Catholic Charities, Catholic Diocese of Wilmington P.O. Box 2030 Wilmington, DE 19899.