Rev. John V. DiFilippo | Priest and teacher, 95

The Rev. John V. DiFilippo, 95, a teacher at Northeast Catholic High School for more than 33 years, died Monday, March 28, at his religious order's home in Northeast Philadelphia.

Father DiFilippo grew up in Wilmington, where the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales staffed his parish church, St. Anthony of Padua. After graduating from Wilmington High School, he entered the order's seminary in Childs, Md.

While preparing for the priesthood, he earned a bachelor's degree from Catholic University of America.

After he was ordained in 1945, Father DiFilippo taught at Salesianum School in Wilmington and in Oblate schools in Niagara Falls and Lockport, N.Y., before being assigned to Northeast Catholic in 1961.

During his career, he taught French, Latin, business, drama, and art. At Northeast Catholic, he was also moderator of the drama club.

He was still teaching art at Northeast Catholic in 1995 when he retired at 79.

A self-taught artist, Father DiFilippo made spirit banners for pep rallies and sports events for Northeast Catholic and Father Judge High School after he retired.

He enjoyed traveling to Italy and cooking Italian specialties.

He is survived by nephews and nieces.

A Funeral Mass will be said at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 31, at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 1715 W. Ninth St., Wilmington, where friends may call after 4:30. Burial will be in the Oblate cemetery in Childs.

Memorial donations may be made to the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales, Box 87, Childs, Md. 21916.