John DeFilippi

Morada

June 18, 1952 - September 13, 2007

John DeFilippi of Morada lost a year long battle with cancer at his home on Thursday, September 13, he was 55 years old. At his side at the time of death was his wife and best friend Linda of nearly 26 years and their son Jay. During his illness he demonstrated courage throughout his treatments and remained positive throughout his last days. John was born on June 18, 1952 in Grass Valley California. He graduated from Nevada Union High School and Sierra College where he pursued his one passion, golf. During his career, he worked as an assistant golf professional at Graeagle, Alta Sierra and Swenson Park Golf Courses. He worked as head professional at La Contenta Golf Course before opening up his own business, Valley Golf Services in Escalon. For the past 15 years, he gave golf lessons and made custom fit golf equipment for hundreds of golfers in the area, and as far away as the eastern coast. He enjoyed working with many young people encouraging them to participate in competitive high school golf. Aside from his profession, he was greatly admired by fellow professionals for his tremendous knowledge of all facets of the golf game and its business. He was a former member of the Professional Golf Association (PGA) as a Class A Golf Professional.

Aside from his wife and son, he is survived by his mother, Harrye DeFilippi of Grass Valley; his mother-in-law, Audrey Handy; his siblings, Nicolette and Bud Gamble and Bob and Patty Waltemeire, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

You are invited to his Celebration of Life service on Friday, September 21, 2007 at 12:00 noon at the Escalon Golf Course (by the pond) at 17051 S. Escalon Bellota Road with the reception following at 2:00 p.m. at the family home at 5042 Manor Circle in Morada. Arrangements by Deegan Funeral Chapel, Escalon.

In loving memory donations in his name may be made to: E.H.S. Golf, 1528 Yosemite Ave. Escalon CA 95320 or to The Brighterside of Down Syndrome, P.O. Box 32252 Stockton CA 95213.