Obituary of Philip E. DeLuise

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Philip DeLuise, who left us peacefully on July 26th at the age of 99.

Philip is survived by his three daughters, Lucy Romeo and her husband, John of Convent Station, Josephine Cocchiara and her husband, John of Freehold and Lisa Petrosino and her husband, Stephen of Belmar; and six grandchildren, John, Nicole, Gianni, Cassie, Stephen and Caitlin Petrosino. Preceded in death by his wife Maria DeLuise.

Filippo Enrico DeLuise was born in Trenton, NJ on February 8^th 1925 to immigrant Italian parents, Lucia and Nicola DeLuise. He was the middle of 3 boys born in the United States. It was during the Depression, at the age of 4 the family moved back to Salerno, Italy where he grew up and went to school. The family didn’t have much but he took some pleasure in going to the movie theatre once in a while.

In 1947 at the young age of 22 and at the urging of his father he left Italy for New York. He settled in a NYC tenement on Sullivan Street; known today as “The Village”. It was a difficult time for him leaving his home and family in Italy to come to America. He didn’t speak English and had to make do with what little he had.

On Wednesday August 30, 1950 Philip was drafted into New York’s first draft since the invasion of South Korea. He welcomed it with honor to serve our country. He was on active duty until May 29, 1952 and was transferred to the Army Reserve until his Honorable discharge on November 7, 1956. During his 2 years in combat he received a Korean Service Medal with 2 battle stars, an Occupation Medal (Japan) and UN Service Medal.

While in the Reserve he took college classes and obtained a certificate from an architectural engineering course. Dad began working as a clerk at the main US Postal Office on 34^th Street in NYC and made his way up to a Budget analyst. Throughout the years he was awarded certificates of achievement and honored with a perfect work attendance certificate from the Mayor of NYC.

Philip began his retirement after working 30 years, going to Italy every summer with his wife Maria where he enjoyed gardening, family gatherings and most of all the beautiful mountain scenery. His hobby of painting became his passion and his works are proudly displayed in the homes of his daughters, grandchildren, family members and friends.

He was true to himself and never wavered from his gentle ways, remaining stoic yet grateful for the care he received. He certainly fit the mold of those from the Greatest Generation. 

He died peacefully at his daughter Josephine’s home surrounded by love. May he rest in eternal peace.

A visitation will be held at Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, 100 Elton-Adelphia Road (Route 524), Freehold Township on Thursday, August 1, 2024 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM. Relatives and friends are invited to gather at the funeral home at 9:00 AM on Friday, August 2, 2024 for the procession to his 10:00 AM Funeral Mass at the Co-Cathedral of St. Robert Bellarmine, 61 Georgia Road, Freehold Township. Interment will follow in Brigadier General William C. Doyle New Jersey Veterans Cemetery, 350 Province Line Road, Arneytown. In lieu of flowers, donations in Philip’s name may be made to Tunnels to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306 or St. Jude Children Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. For information, directions, or to leave condolence messages to the family, please visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com