Louis J. DiFilippo, 83, Bell manager

Louis J. "Bippo" DiFilippo, 83, of Clifton Heights, a retired Bell Telephone manager, died of complications of pneumonia Friday, Jan. 21, at Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital in Darby.

Mr. DiFilippo graduated from West Philadelphia Catholic High School and remained active with the alumni association.

At the end of World War II, he served in the Navy in the States and trained as an air squadron radioman. After the war, he joined Bell Telephone, where his mother and two sisters had been operators.

In 1950, he married his high school sweetheart, Joan O'Donnell.

Recalled to military service in the Korean War, Mr. DiFilippo served in the Army in a communications unit and spent 19 months on the front lines. He wouldn't elaborate on his hazardous experiences and just described them as "interesting," said his daughter, Marylou.

On his return to the United States, his troop ship docked in San Francisco on July 27, 1953, the day the armistice was signed. He and the other men on board were greeted to a heroes' welcome by the press and cancan dancers.

Mr. DiFilippo went back to Bell Telephone, working his way up from lineman to dispatcher, and was active in the union. From the early 1970s until retiring in 1983, he instructed phone company installers and linemen, including teaching pole climbing, his daughter said.

Mr. DiFilippo was active with the De La Salle Council of the Knights of Columbus in Delaware County and its fund-raising efforts to help the needy. He also played on the council's softball team.

He was a passionate golfer, and his house was full of golf memorabilia, his daughter said. He wanted to be remembered as "just a good guy," she said.

Mr. DiFilippo's wife died in 1995. In addition to his daughter, he is survived by a son, David; two sisters; and two grandsons.

Friends may call from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 26, and from 9 to 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 27, at O'Leary's Funeral Home, 640 E. Springfield Rd. A Funeral Mass will be said at 10 a.m. Thursday at Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church, Bishop and Springfield Roads, Springfield. Burial will be in SS. Peter and Paul Cemetery, Marple Township.