Raymond Joseph Datilio, age 80, of Wilmington, DE., formerly of Newark, DE. And Philadelphia, PA, passed away Monday, June 16, 2025 at his home.

Ray was born and raised in Philadelphia, the middle son of Louis & Rita Secker Datilio. He was an avid swimmer & lifeguard in his younger years. After graduating from Northeast High School in 1963 he went to work in the printing trade where he spent over 35 years as an offset pressman. After his retirement he worked part time as a security guard for several office buildings throughout New Castle County.

In 1969 he married the love of his life Irene (Tomczak) and they spent the next 56 years together. Ray & Irene had two children together, Joseph & Lisa. Ray spent countless hours getting to the fields to watch both kids play baseball, football, swim team, soccer & cheer throughout their lives. He may not have been the most gifted athlete but when needed he could even be convinced to coach a summer baseball team or two because he knew how important it was to his children. He would and did do anything he could to help his children.

He has 2 grandchildren, Olivia & Joseph. Nothing gave “Poppy” greater joy in later life than being able to watch Liv on the softball field & Joey on the football field, baseball diamond, hardwood and later the wrestling mat. Every conversation started and ended with “how are the kids?” How did the team do and how did “they” do if he couldn’t be there in person.

He was never one to be afraid to speak his mind, for better or worse you always knew where you stood with Big Ray. Whether it be politics, sports or religion dad wouldn’t mind telling you exactly what he thought. He loved watching his Iggles every Sunday in the fall & the Phillies thru the summer nights. Post game next day calls typically ended with “Ahh I guess those bums ain’t going anywhere this year”. Luckily, he got to see TWO World Series & Super Bowl wins by his beloved Phillies & Eagles.

Ray loved to hunt in retirement, especially deer & waterfowl. Outside the birth of his grandchildren, we never saw a bigger smile on his face than the day he bagged two deer at Prime Hook on opening day. He loved it when he had “meat in the freezer”. And you wouldn’t have guessed it by looking at him, but he really enjoyed ballroom dancing with his graceful & beautiful partner Irene. They won multiple ribbons & if you were to ask him it was mom who carried them and him literally to the podium on some nights. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus.

His laugh will be missed and if you listen close enough you can probably still hear him yelling “Irene! I need your help”. Rest Easy Big Ray.

Ray is predeceased by his daughter-in-law, Susan Datilio(Earley). He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Irene Datilio (Tomczak), his son, Joseph Datilio, his daughter, Lisa Loveland and her husband Duane, and his grandchildren, Olivia Datilio and Joseph Datilio.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, June 27, 2025 at St. Mary Magdalen Church, 7 Sharpley Rd., Wilmington, DE 19803. A viewing will be held at church prior to the mass beginning at 10:00 am. Interment will follow the mass at All Saints Cemetery, Wilmington, DE.