James Frederick “Fish” DiFilippo, 80, of Aston, died at home on Saturday, April 12, after a long illness.
Fish was a devoted family man and fisherman, and not necessarily in that order. If he wasn’t fishing or tying flies, he was on the road or in the skies on his way to cast lines in beautiful streams in the Poconos, Alaska, out West, in Canada, and beyond. He often brought his family along, instilling in them a deep love of the outdoors. He was known as “World Famous Mr. Fish” and later, just “Fish,” the latter a nickname he preferred even in official capacities.
He married his wife of 56 years in 1968 after they met at a nightclub and fell fast for each other — she, no doubt, was smitten by his quick humor and dance moves. They had three children, who gave them eight grandchildren, all of whom they loved dearly. He and Judy spoiled them rotten, taking them on Disney trips, meddling in their affairs with the best of intentions, and even buying a house by the Delaware beaches to ensure they always had a fun family retreat.
In recent years, Fish and Judy spent a lot of time at that home in Millsboro, Del., where they became regulars at the region’s restaurants, explored every inlet of the Indian River and Rehoboth bays in their pontoon boat, and made many good friends. In keeping with their love of the outdoors, Fish and Judy adopted a stretch of road in Millsboro to keep clean, as the Long Neck Litter Pickers.
Fish also enjoyed hunting and driving old forest roads, especially with his son Jim Jr. He loved to take his friends on fishing and hunting trips too.
He was a certified public accountant for over a half-century in Toughkenamon, where he started his own firm in 1970 and eventually brought his wife, son, and daughter-in-law into the business. He also spent years helping his father and uncle run the family’s general store.
He graduated from Salesianum School in Wilmington and Temple University. He also served in the National Guard and was a member of the Knights of Columbus.
He was the eldest son of the late Eugene and Glenna DiFilippo. He is survived by his wife Judy; his children Paige Henry, Dana (and Saed) Hindash, and Jimmy (and Annie) DiFilippo; and his beloved grandchildren Dana, Maura, and Meghan Henry, Zaki and Amalie Hindash, and Maddie, Chloe, and Jimmy DiFilippo.
Visitation will be held Monday, April 21 from 6-8 p.m. at Kuzo Funeral Home, 250 W. State St., Kennett Square. Visitation will also be held Tuesday, April 22 from 10 a.m. until the time of his Funeral Mass at 11 at the Church of St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother, 8910 Gap Newport Road in Avondale. Burial will follow at St. Patrick Cemetery in Kennett Square.
Memorial donations may be made to Trout Unlimited or the Marine Education, Research & Rehabilitation (MERR) Institute of Delaware.
Arrangements by Kuzo Funeral Home of Kennett Square.
