Michael F. DeFilippo, Jr.

Michael Francis DeFilippo Jr. was born on October 30, 1944, in Brooklyn, New York, to Michael Francis DeFilippo Sr. and Carmela DeFilippo, lovingly called “Millie” by her husband. He was the second of six children and grew up alongside his brothers, Frankie and Robert, and his sisters, Linda, Debra, and Laura.

Michael was a man who loved deeply, protected fiercely, and never forgot the people he called family.

He will be reunited in Heaven with his beloved brother Frankie and his youngest sister Laura, who preceded him in death and have already joined their parents in the Kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ, who died so that our sins might be forgiven.

Frankie, the eldest of the DeFilippo children, suffered a high fever as an infant that left him with an intellectual disability. When he entered school, there were children who thought they could take advantage of him. They quickly learned that they had reckoned with the wrong person when Michael whooped the butt of every bully.

Michael was fiercely protective of Frankie. Over the years, there were more than a few fights, and Michael made sure that anyone who thought they could bully his brother thought twice about doing it again. His loyalty to Frankie was unwavering. It was one of the earliest examples of the kind of brother he would always be: someone who stood between the people he loved and anyone who tried to hurt them.

Michael took pride in himself and in his appearance. He worked out throughout his life, building the strong physique for which he was known. He was a handsome man of Italian ancestry, with thick, black, wavy hair that he wore in the style of each era. Even well into his later years, Michael maintained his hair with great care. At 81, when he finally embraced his distinguished gray hair, he still had only a small bald spot—and for years he cleverly managed to keep it hidden.

But some of Michael’s most memorable qualities had nothing to do with his appearance. He had a love of food that began early and stayed with him throughout his life.

As a child, when the family went to the movies, Michael would happily spend the money his mother gave him to feed himself hot dogs, popcorn, and Bon Bons. He would let his brothers and sisters choose between a pickle or candy—and, on occasion, he might even allow Linda to take a bite of one of his hot dogs. His enthusiasm for food bordered on gluttony but then again no one is without idiosyncrasies.

His youngest sister, Laura, was the baby of the family and a beauty who was taken far too soon. As a child, Laura was a picky eater and was often the last one still sitting at the table. Michael, meanwhile, would wait impatiently for the moment when she finally admitted she wasn't going to eat somethin. He was more than happy to take care of whatever goodies she left behind. She encouraged Michael to live more for himself and get pedicures and massages as his wife Patricia worked. Soon a decades long marriage came to an end.

Michael’s relationship with each of his siblings was unique. Linda was always exceptionally intelligent and used this to extend into being hard working. Their father recognized her abilities and strong work ethic, often putting her in charge. Michael continued to turn to Linda throughout his life whenever he had a problem or needed help. She became pivotal in helping him maintain his health and manage his finances. He trusted her deeply, including entrusting her to make sure that his children, Tara and Michael, would retain what he had worked so hard for throughout his life. Linda stood by him through difficult times and even helped thwart people whose schemes placed his health and his life's work in danger.

Linda was a constant source of support for Michael, and he loved and adored her very much.

His relationships with Robert and Debra were, like many sibling relationships, sometimes marked by disagreements. But those little differences never diminished the love Michael had for them. Beneath the arguments, opinions, and advice was the enduring bond of family—a bond that remained throughout their lives.

Michael loved to travel. He and Patricia, traveled frequently, particularly during the five years before they had children and in the early years of their marriage. Those years gave them the opportunity to see the world and create memories before their family grew.

Together, they eventually welcomed two children: a daughter, Tara Jean, and a son, Michael Francis III, proudly carrying his father's name.

Michael's love for his children and grandchildren created some of the memories that will be treasured forever.

His daughter Tara and his three grandchildren, James, Jolie, and Kaylee, will always remember the weekend mornings before they moved to Florida, when Grandpa Michael would arrive carrying a bag of Long Island bagels. He would spend time playing with them and enjoying the simple happiness of being with his grandchildren.

He was also happy to tag along on family adventures to Chuck E. Cheese, where he watched the children play games and ride the little attractions. And then there was his memorable talent for heckling at his grandkids’ big dance recital—a moment that mortified Tara at the time but has since become one of those family stories that makes everyone laugh. What could have been a forgettable moment became, because of Michael, a story that will live on.

And Michael's name continues to live on through his son's son, Michael Francis DeFilippo IV, his namesake and a grandson.

Michael leaves behind a family who will remember not only the things he accomplished, but the little things that made him unforgettable: his strength, his loyalty, his pride, his appetite, his sense of humor, his charisma, his stubbornness, his love of travel, and—above all—his devotion to the people he loved.

He was a man who protected his brother, a son who remained connected to his family, a father who worked hard for his children, a grandfather who showed up with bagels and joined in the fun, and a man whose stories will continue to be told around family tables for years to come.

Michael lived his life in his own unmistakable way. He loved fiercely, argued passionately, protected those who needed him, enjoyed the good things in life, and left behind memories that cannot be replaced.

He will be deeply missed, forever remembered, and lovingly carried in the hearts of his family.

May he rest peacefully in the presence of the Lord, reunited with his parents, Frankie, Laura, and ex-wife Patricia and may his family find comfort in knowing that the love he gave them will never leave them. He lived by the song “My Way” sung by his idol Frank Sinatra.

Condolences can be left in the guestbook below.

Heritage Funeral Care, David and Steven Gross Directors, Largo Florida are serving the family.