James L. DiFilippo

James “Jim” DiFilippo passed away unexpectedly at home on March 24, 2025. Born in West Grove, Pennsylvania, in February of 1931, to Italian immigrants Nazzareno and Maria (Genosa) DiFilippo, Jim grew up alongside seven siblings, helping in his father’s mushroom houses while attending school. He enjoyed playing baseball for the Avon Grove Boys League and later attended Avon Grove High School.

Jim joined the Army, where he earned his GED and completed a diploma in Engineer Equipment Maintenance. In 1955, he completed his duty with the 20th Engineer Combat Battalion at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He remained in the Army Reserve and received an Honorable Discharge as a PFC in February 1963.

After marrying May (Beattie) in 1957, Jim settled in Wilmington, Delaware, and worked as a heavy equipment operator for Corrado Brothers (now Corrado American) until his retirement in 1993. He was a proud lifelong member of The International Union of Operating Engineers Local 542.

In his younger years, Jim enjoyed bowling leagues, playing pinochle, and fishing, once winning a Delaware Sportfishing Tournament award for catching a 68-pound tuna. A frequent refrain of his was, “I’m going up Toughies,” referring to gatherings with friends from the Toughkenamon area. He always looked forward to attending the Local 542 monthly luncheons.

A devoted sports fan, Jim followed most sports but was especially passionate about the Eagles and the Phillies. He often joked that football and baseball games were the only things on TV that could keep him from falling asleep in his chair. Until 2012, he made semi-annual trips to Las Vegas, but closer to home, Jim was a daily visitor to Delaware Park. Always meticulous in maintaining his yard, he was the first in the spring to cut the grass and the last to stop in the fall. At the time of his passing, he had already begun preparing the ground for his traditional summer tomato garden. Generous and dependable, Jim was the man to turn to when you needed a helping hand—or a box of fresh mushrooms.

Preceded in death by his parents, all of his siblings, and his beloved wife of 63 years, May, Jim was an increasingly devoted caregiver and daily visitor to his Honey Bunny in the final years of her decline, truly honoring the vows “for better or worse, in sickness and in health.”

Jim is survived by his daughter Cindy, who extends heartfelt thanks to all of her father’s friends, whom he considered family, for sharing laughter, good times, and countless meals over the years. Cindy believes their companionship kept Jim’s spirits alive, especially after losing May. She also wishes to express deep gratitude to Dr. Wasif Qureshi, whose skill and care granted her father two additional years of life.

A private blessing of the ashes will be held in the chapel of the Veterans Cemetery.

Jim will be remembered for his generosity and loyalty. Think of him the next time you enjoy a big spaghetti dinner or play a pony!