Philip J. D’Elia, age 87, of Bear, DE, passed away with loved ones by his side on Monday, July 17, 2023.
He was born and raised in Southwest Philadelphia and is the son of the late Philip J. D’Elia and Catherine V. (nẻe Birrane).
Phil graduated from West Catholic High School in 1953. He served in the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged in July 1957. He worked 22 years for GE in Philadelphia as a model maker. Phil started working for the City of Philadelphia Water Department in 1978 and retired from there as a Building Maintenance Supervisor in 1998.
Phil could fix most anything, he could do electrical work, plumbing, drywall, etc. He was a true handyman. He enjoyed helping family, friends and neighbors with any projects.
After retirement he moved to Bear, DE where he liked riding on his tractor keeping his lawns well groomed. Phil looked forward to reading the Philadelphia Inquirer every morning, checking on the stock market and then he would always wind up working on something in the garage.
Phil was a hunter in his younger days; he also enjoyed watching the Phillies, Eagles and Sixers games. He liked going to the casinos and playing the slots and he enjoyed his Crown Royal. However, what brought him the most pleasure was being surrounded by his family and friends, especially his grandkids.
Phil is survived by his wife of 47 years, Adele F. (Speck), 6 children, Cindy DiMambro (Steve), Philip D’Elia, Jaclyn Eckbold (Joseph), Mary D’Elia, Debra Cerro (Chris), and Michael D’Elia (Raphaele); 19 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.
He is predeceased by his sisters Mary O’Malley (Charles) and Catherine Weiner (Sidney) and nephews Charles and Philip O’Malley.
Family and friends are invited to his viewing on Tuesday, July 25, 2023 from 9:00 am to 11:00 am at St. Margaret of Scotland Catholic Church, 2431 Frazer Road, Newark, DE immediately followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am. Interment will be held at St. Joseph on the Brandywine Cemetery, Wilmington, DE.
