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Jimmy posted a condolence
Friday, August 23, 2019
Intro:
Philip DiCamillo or Pop as everyone calls him, was a generational type of person. Pop meant so much to so many it will be difficult to describe this man's legacy and how much he meant to his entire family in a few minutes. Everyone here today has had so many wonderful memories with Pop and could stand here and talk for hours about what a great man he was. I really haven't cherished what he meant until now. I have received phone calls from distant friends offering their condolences and sharing with me some of their own memories and what Pop meant to them. Some of my buddies haven't seen Pop in over 15 years, so that shows what an enduring influence he has been to all of us. If that's not a testament to the value of a man I don't know what is. Pop always knew what to say to calm a storm, or lend advice and he had a subtle way of inciting some inspiration when needed. Pop always had a knack for letting our entire family know that we were loved and that he and Grammy would always be there for us. Whether it be attending our sporting events, family parties or just picking up the phone and calling us, he was always there.
Pop was always a bright light we could turn to, to help guide us along our way. He would always try to remain positive and look for the good in every situation.
Early life:
Pop grew up in West Philly, the Overbrook section. Grammy grew up in the great northeast Philly, the Mayfair section. Pop met Grammy at Strawbridge and clothier, where Grammy worked as an elevator attendant. Pop got to know Grammy as he rode the elevator 10 times a day even though his job only required him to go up to work when his shift began and down when his shift was over. The other 8 times were something we would call today "Stalking." After an extremely long courtship of 6 months, they were married. No engagement necessary. Pop knew what he wanted and he got her. 9 months later Debbie was born. Ok maybe not 9 months, but you get the point. Grammy and Pop wasted no time in starting their family. They lived in Tacony for the first few years of their new family and then moved to Sheffield Street. Pop was part of the Parkwood Youth Sports Organization where he coached Baseball and Football. He had a unique and delicate way of making a lasting impression on children. To this day he is still receiving love from the kids he coached in the 1960's. And if you ask any of his grandchildren or great grandchildren they would agree, he is the best. Grammy and Pop then crossed the bridge and moved to Willingboro, NJ on Peacock Lane in 1969. They finally settled in on Princeton Lane in 1977. Pop adored his children. Debbie, Mickey, Rickey, Kenny, Cindy and Gary. Each one of you has varying personalities and he always tried to make sure you knew how much he loved you. Whether it be a ball game, a dinner or a drive in his Ford he always made time for his kids. Pop loved the holidays because it was all about his family. Memories include Pop's Christmas eve Anti-pasta, The Christmas tree falling over every year or just listening to music as a family. Pop and the family were also very fond of camping at Tobyhanna in the Poconos. They would join other families and cut the kids
loose. When the kids misbehaved Grammy and Pop would load them all into the station wagon and drive them to Shall Cross, which apparently is a children's prison or mental hospital. I'm not really sure if it even existed as I goggled it and found nothing. Nevertheless it seemed to work because the kids were petrified. Nice Work Grammy and Pop. I may use that one day.
Pop loved his Jean. I hope we all learn to appreciate and try to replicate the amount of love he showed Grammy to our own spouses. From the day they first met in the elevator until the day he died on their 64th wedding anniversary, I have never seen a man love a woman that much. I pray that each one of us takes a moment today and everyday moving forward and let our significant others know how much we love them. Pop would tell Grammy 10 times a day that he loved her. That's a lot of times in 64 years and I know she never grew tired of it. Grammy loved his eyes and his contagious smile. Grammy loved how warm and welcoming Pop would be--Not just with family but with complete strangers. Pop was so giving to his family but especially his Jean. He tried his best to make sure she had everything she wanted. Later in their lives together Grammy and Pop would enjoy drives to Lancaster, the Disney trips in the Ford Van with the grandkids and playing cards with Aunt Gloria
Pop was a wonderful listener, when something was going on in your life he would always lend an ear, Grammy would claim he needed hearing aids, but he heard his children and grandchildren just fine. Sorry Grammy, that selective hearing thing only applied to you. Pop had such a joy and zest for life. He ultimately sought the good in everyone and welcomed many new family members into our lives like they were always there from the beginning.
Boy did he ever love his Philly sports?! He was a four for four man through and through. We would all get lost in hour long conversations about what the eagles needed to do to get over the hump, what kind of pitching or bat the Phillies needed, if the flyers would ever get a goalie or if the Sixers would ever contend after Iverson. With exception of the flyers I think all the teams are headed in the right direction. I am so grateful that Pop got to see the eagles win a superbowl, as we all are. I never thought in a million years I would have an eagles jersey on under a suit jacket but I know Pop is smiling down on us all.
Union:
Pop had 30 years of service in the Union. He worked first as a boilermaker early on at the Navy Yard in Philly. He then worked in the sheet metal union for remainder of his career at sites like Limerick Nuclear Plant and Salem Nuclear Plant. I witnessed first hand what a hard worker he was. He would get up at 4am and be out the door so he could be at Salem Nuclear Plant which was over an hour and fifteen minutes each way, before his crew showed up. He never once complained about his day or his commute and was always pleasant once he arrived home just in time for dinner. Pop was always good with his hands, a trait he passed down to all of his Children, except Gary.
Family:
One of the more amazing feats in life is Grammy and Pop having 3 children with the same birthday. Debbie, Mickey and Cindy were all born on July 20th. Not sure what was going on in their lives on or about October 20th but it was a pretty exciting day apparently. Life threw them quite a few punches( The loss of Philip Junior as a baby and their two adult sons Mickey and Rickey. Through all of that, Pop kept strong for Grammy even though he was crushed inside. He kept smiling and remained positive and full of love as he always did.
I'd like to share a memory of the amazing kind of people Grammy and Pop are. My Junior year in high school my parents moved to Maryland and I was scheduled to begin school in Maryland in late August. After some lengthy discussion with my parents I convinced them to allow me to finish school in New Jersey. My dad picked up the phone and called Grammy (with whom he hadn't talked to in probably 2 years, one of his usually family hiatuses) and before he could even finish asking her if it was ok she said yes. So I had the wonderful privilege of living with them my senior year in high school. It was one of the best years of my life. Breakfast every morning, Lunch packed every day, huge dinner at night (that included the chilled salad fresh out of the freezer) and my clothes that I had worn yesterday folded neatly on my bed the following morning. I was spoiled and blessed. Grammy, Pop and I had so much fun that year together that it just made our relationships that much stronger. I witnessed what a gentleman Pop is. How patient he is. How sweet of a man he is. How a man should treat his wife (I know Megan I need work) Pop and I would be having a conversation and he gets so immersed in it that he blocks everything else out. Yes this drove Grammy crazy because she would be asking him questions at the same time. That selective hearing thing again Gram. But that was Pop. He wanted you to know he was devoted to your conversation. He wasn't a multi-tasker but he was great with doing one thing at a time.
I pray that we will use this moment to embrace each other and our family. I know it would make Pop so happy if we made more of an effort to get together and yes that includes my own Dad, who is a bit of a recluse. The silver lining to this moment is how much time we have all spent together as an entire family. It's unfortunate that we have to lose a family member to bring us all together like this. I promise I will work harder to stay in touch with each of you and I hope you all do the same. One moment I will always cherish through this painful process was when we were all in the Samaritan kitchen and it was Debbie, Kenny, Cindy, Gary and Grammy. I sat back and laughed as they were talking about their memories when they were children: Mickey the instigator, Gary getting locked in the closet, Kenny the devil, Debbie the princess, Cindy the mother hen and Rickey getting frustrated with everyone. It was so much fun to listen to them tell stories about their childhood. For one brief moment in time we forgot why we were there...and I know Pop was happy about that.
Gary we would all like to thank you for taking such wonderful care of Pop and Grammy these last few years. We appreciate you.
Aunt Gloria you are one of the three amigos. Pop loved you and your family so much.
To all 97 of my cousins. Pop loved us all and I hope we all make more of an effort to be in each other's lives. We all shared many fun memories together as children and I would love nothing more than for our children to share in the same fun.
Pop thank you for being such an inspirational and loving Father, Grandfather, Uncle, Brother. Let's celebrate this man's life and be grateful that we were a part of his. I look forward to when it will be my time to be a grandfather and will embrace the name "Pop" from my grandchildren in your honor. But I'm sure I can speak for everyone here today...There will only ever be one "Pop."
Philip Salvatore DiCamillo
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Jane’e Brown posted a condolence
Sunday, December 30, 2018
The DiCamillo Family has been a big part of my Extended Family for over 45 years & PHILL was more like a Father Figure to me since I never knew my father,he was ALWAYS such a Sweet Happy man w/a Beautiful Soul & Loved everyone. God Bless You w/b missed by ALL !!! xxoo Jane’e & Family xxoo
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John Balestrieri posted a condolence
Sunday, December 16, 2018
Phil,
No more lifesavers
You are and will be missed
Pace
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Carl Thompson posted a condolence
Sunday, December 16, 2018
Phil was much more than the Best Father-in-law ever. Pop was a best friend, home repair foreman, co-worker, life coach, Disney guide, and the Best Grandfather ever to my children !
Pop always greeted me with his infectious smile and positive attitude.
Pop I will always cherish my memories of you and your life lessons.
You will be missed dearly, Your son-in-law Carl
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Carole Ann Mendenhall posted a symbolic gesture
Saturday, December 15, 2018
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FLY EAGLES FLY
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Carole Ann Mendenhall posted a symbolic gesture
Saturday, December 15, 2018
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Carole Ann Mendenhall lit a candle
Saturday, December 15, 2018
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Bret Favorite posted a condolence
Friday, December 14, 2018
Opened up his house to me, fed me, shared advice that had lasting impressions on a yound ornery teenager. Hard working, kind...in fact there arent enough positives out there to say about this man. As others have stated...always a smile...ill never forget it! I know he's smiling down on us right now. He was and still is a role model to me. I love you Mr. DiCamillo!
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Robert Johnston purchased flowers
Friday, December 14, 2018
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Kayla Maguire posted a condolence
Thursday, December 13, 2018
He will be miss very much. My favorite patient , always has a smile on his face. No matter how his feeling he always made sure everyone was okay before he was. Such amazing husband & father. Always will be in my heart. Love you Mr. DiCamillo
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Betsy Sheipe posted a condolence
Thursday, December 13, 2018
My sorrow is deep, The Love you showed me all my life, will always shine bright in my heart forever and ever ~
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Mary Ellen Deiter posted a condolence
Thursday, December 13, 2018
Phil, always with a smile. Great friend to my mom & dad . So adored by his entire family and will he greatly missed . Always pleasant and always with Jean by his side . Loved you Phil .
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Jaynie posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 12, 2018
I will always remember Phil as a kind and gentle soul .
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Carole Ann Mendenhall posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 12, 2018
Aunt Jean and family, you are all in my thoughts and prayers. I will remember Uncle Phil very fondly as I have so many memories of the weekends I spent with Aunt Jean & Uncle Phil at their home. Heaven has gained yet another angel. Rest in peace Uncle Phil.....you will be in all our hearts forever ❤
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Fran Furth posted a condolence
Wednesday, December 12, 2018
Phil always had a smile and a good word for me. Will always miss him! The angels gained a tremendous gift . Peace and love
e
The family of Philip S. DiCamillo uploaded a photo
Wednesday, December 12, 2018
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212 Veterans Parkway | Willingboro, New Jersey 08046 | Phone: (609) 871-1000
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N.J.Lic.No. 3953 / Pa.Lic.No. FD013339L