Giuseppe DiPilla

DiPILLA

Giuseppe, age 87, on September 24, 2025, of Philadelphia, PA.

Born and raised in a small, picturesque village nestled in the mountains in Chiauci, Italy, he later went to Rome to learn the skills he would need to become a tailor and immigrated to the United States as a young man of 20 years of age on July 24, 1958, leaving behind his family and everything he knew to then forge a new life in a new land. When he arrived here, he would eventually meet other young Italians who recently immigrated here like him and would soon form the bonds of brotherhood and best friends that would last a lifetime.

When he arrived in Philadelphia, he soon began work at a tailor shop at Broad & Lehigh and then eventually worked for nearly 35 years as a Master Tailor and Supervisor at Pincus Brothers Maxwell, also in Philadelphia. He was meticulous in his attention to detail when making clothing alterations. It was mesmerizing watching him work, he was so talented and diligent, he elevated his work into an art form, just to see how he could take a piece of fabric and create a stunning coat or suit or even a tuxedo. He would happily fix clothes for family and friends whenever it was needed. He made it all look so effortless when in reality there was much skill needed, he took pride in his work and making sure he always dressed impeccably.

He also enjoyed doing carpentry work at home, making renovations. The most impressive was the stunning fireplace and mantle he built himself and still works to this day.

He was an avid and prolific bocce player and won many trophies through the years. Listening to Claudio Villa, his absolute favorite singer of all time, working and tending to the yard growing tomatoes and vegetables, which also included a grape vine, peach and fig trees. Making vino every year and canning tomatoes every summer were important Italian traditions to him to maintain always. Watching European soccer, whether it was the World Cup or the UEFA Champions League tournament, and especially his favorite team, Inter Milan Serie A or his favorite shows on RAI always made him happy. As he became more acclimated to American culture over the years he loved Philadelphia professional sports teams. His favorite Phillie of all time was Mike Schmidt, and he loved the home run calls by Harry Kalas. Many a summertime when he would be working at home, fixing clothes for example, he would have the radio on next to him listening to the games. He was also happy to see the Eagles finally win two Super Bowls. He served as the Secretary of Correspondence for La Società di Guardiagrele for many years.

He worked hard all his life, faith and family were everything to him. On June 20, 1964 he married the love of his life, Laura and together they raised a family of two children, Domenico and AnnaMaria who adore and love them. He always had a song in his heart and loved to sing and serenade friends and family at gatherings, celebrations and holidays. He really knew how to dance and watching him with his beloved wife of 61 years dancing together was simply poetry in motion.

He was a deeply good hearted man who had a big heart and was always there to help anyone who needed it, no questions asked. The things that always brought him the most joy were the simple things in life and above all else he treasured time spent being with his loved ones. He was strong, yet gentle. When he spoke people listened. And he had a wonderful sense of humor no one could tell a story like he did. He loved being gathered around the family table together with his family, enjoying all the delicious food that was lovingly made.

He was very deeply devoted to his late parents, his sister and many nieces nephews, cousins. He also had many nicknames over the years, some knew him as Peppino, Zio Peppino, Uncle Joe, Little Joe, or the “Mayor of 65th Street”. He was even called Frank Sinatra when he was younger because of his blue eyes and he loved his neighbors as family. He has been described as a gentleman, and a gentle man. That was the very essence of who he was and what he will always be remembered for by everyone who know and love him.

Predeceased by his parents, Giovanna DiPilla and Domenico DiPilla, and his late sister, Filomena Izzi (the late Vincenzo) Survived by his wife of 61 years, Laura M. (nee Ranieri), his two children, AnnaMaria DiPilla and Domenico DiPilla, and many loving nieces, nephews and cousins.

Relatives & friends are invited to his Viewing Wednesday Evening, October 1^st 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM at the DAnjolell Memorial Home of Broomall, 2811 West Chester Pike, Broomall, PA 19008. On Thursday morning, October 2^nd his Funeral Mass 10:30 AM at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Parish, 6301 Woodbine Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19151.  Interment Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery.

Contributions in Giuseppe’s memory may be made to Blood Cancer United at https://givenow.bloodcancerunited.org

ARR. DANJOLELL MEMORIAL HOME

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