Obituary of Joseph L. DeFilippo

Joseph L. DeFilippo, age 97, of Port Jefferson Station died Friday, March 20, 2020. Joseph was born July 27, 1922 in the Bronx, New York. He is the son of the late Antonio and the late Mary (Cerullo) DeFilippo. His job with Metro North, considered hazardous, involved the third rail system that powered the trains. After he retired, he and his wife moved to Yorktown Heights, New York and later to Port Jefferson Station, New York. Joe (fondly known as Lefty as a young man) was born and raised in the Bronx primarily by his mother. He worked as a laborer in construction until he was called to serve in WWII on March 16, 1943. He became Private First Class in Company C293rd Army Engineers out of Fort Dix, New Jersey. After 3 months he became a Demolitions Specialist and served in Ardennes, Central Europe, Normandy, Northern France and Rhineland, Germany. He was a veteran of the D-Day landings in the Allied invasion of Normandy, Omaha Beach and, in recognition of his service was decorated with the European-African-Middle Eastern Service Medal as well as the Good Conduct Medal. He received his Honorable Discharge on October 30, 1945. As a boy growing up in the Bronx, Joe spent many summer days in what he fondly called the "cheap" seats at Yankee Stadium. And so, it was only fitting that on Sunday, June 6, 2004, Joe was invited to participate in the pre-game ceremony honoring the 60th Anniversary of D-Day at Yankee Stadium. He and his family were proud to see his contribution and efforts during a very critical moment in world history recognized. His courage and patriotism are an inspiration to all. Joe married the love of his life, Pauline, two months before he was inducted into the Army, on January 2, 1943. They were married 70 years. He is survived by his son, Dr. Joseph DeFilippo of Stamford, Connecticut, his daughter, Paulette Maher of Port Jefferson Station, New York, his grandchildren, Mandy DeFilippo and her husband Daniel, Christine Beisswenger and her husband, Kevin and two great-grandchildren, Daniel and Sean. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Pauline in 2013. All arrangements have been entrusted to the Rocky Point Funeral Home. As per the family's request, there will be no services at the Funeral Home. Private burial with Military Honors will be at Calverton National Cemetery, Calverton, New York. An online guest book may be signed at www.rockypointfuneralhome.com. .