Thomas Frank Defilippi, 82, of Sarver, PA passed away on Sunday, June 9, 2024 at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh.   A beloved soul filled with love and kindness, Tom was born on May 11, 1942, in Leechburg, PA.  Surrounded by the embrace of his loving parents, Mary Gasbarro and Frank Defilippi, and his cherished older brother, Joseph, Tom’s life was a tapestry woven with love and connection.  Growing up in Leechburg, Tom found joy in playing with the neighborhood kids and his many cousins who lived nearby.  From a young age, he was devout in his Catholic faith, serving as an altar boy at St. Catherine’s Roman Catholic Church with the aspirations of becoming a priest.  His passion for sports shone brightly as he became a star player for the Leechburg Blue Devils football (team captain) and basketball teams.  He graduated in 1960 as the Class President, a reflection of his natural leadership and charisma.  He went on to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in education from Indiana University of PA where he found brotherhood in the Sigma Tau Gamma fraternity.  Upon graduation he accepted a teaching position in Midland, PA and a few years later his “dream job” of teaching in the Freeport Area School District.  While at Freeport, Tom taught history and sociology and coached football, track and basketball for the Yellowjackets. His impact as a teacher and coach radiated through the lives of his students and players, earning him the title of “favorite” to many.

In 1968, Tom reconnected with fellow Leechburg classmate, Carole Magdik, upon whom he had a crush since the 7th grade.  Carole and Tom fell in love and were married in 1969.    As they joyously welcomed their three children, Lori, Gregg, and Beth into the world, Tom and Carole crafted a life rich in family bonds and cherished memories at their home in West Leechburg.  Summer vacations to Texas, New England, Myrtle Beach and Disneyworld were spent, with Tom always doing all of the driving and planning.  In 1980, Tom made the difficult decision to leave teaching and enter the insurance industry.  He went on to spend a wonderful 30 years with New York Life, a career he loved and one that afforded him the opportunity to be present for all his children’s activities and sports, nurturing their passions and dreams with his gentle guiding hand.

Tom coached his children in baseball and softball.  He also served as a volunteer fireman, and, as a Roman Catholic Eucharistic Minister, was able to give all 3 of his children their First Holy Communion.  Tom also served as president of the Leechburg Area School Board and presented Lori and Gregg their high school diplomas.  With the children grown, Tom continued to spread love and light in his community. He and his wife enthusiastically planned every reunion for the LHS Class of 1960.   He served on the boards of both the Leechburg Ambulance Association and the St. Catherine’s Finance Committee.  He also worked as a PIAA Baseball Umpire for ten years, umpiring the WPIAL championship at PNC Park with his family in attendance to cheer him.  Tom’s greatest joy came in the form of his four beloved grandchildren~ Meredith, Josh, Brandon, and Brody, who brought endless happiness and pride into his life.  How thrilled he was to have all four grow up in Freeport and play for his beloved Yellowjackets.  Tom was their biggest fan and never missed a game, cheering them on with a heart full of love and admiration.

A lifelong lover of sports and quite the athlete himself, Tom shot a hole-in-one at the Acadia Shores Golf Course in Myrtle Beach and bowled a perfect game at Lee’s Lanes in Leechburg.  Tom and Carole enjoyed world travel with some of their favorite trips being their Alaskan cruise, their tour of Italy, and their river cruise on the Danube.  In 2015 Tom suffered a serious stroke and was not expected to recover.  Through his strength, determination, and strong faith, however, Tom miraculously did regain his life.  He spent the next 9 ½ years enjoying time with family, returning to the golf course and bowling alley, volunteering at St. Vincent DePaul, building puzzles, taking an exactly 42-minute walk each day, and having a weekly lunch with the guys, his group of former teachers and coaches.  In 2016 Tom was inducted into the Armstrong County Sports Hall of Fame for his service to the athletic community, which made his entire family incredibly proud.  In 2019 Tom and Carole joyously celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a surprise party at the Marconi Club in Leechburg given by their children.  Tom was truly the backbone of his family, and set an example of love, kindness, devotion, honor, service, and faith.   He will be deeply missed by his wife, children, grandchildren and countless nieces, nephews and cousins who all adored him.

Tom is survived by his wife, Carole Magdik Defilippi of Sarver; his brother, Joseph Defilippi of Round Rock, TX; his children Lori Defilippi (Joseph Edelstein) of Pittsburgh; Gregg Defilippi (Geri Cooper Defilippi) of Oakmont; and Beth Defilippi Davis (Brian Davis) of Sarver; his grandchildren Meredith Tirdel of Pittsburgh; Joshua Tirdel of Pittsburgh; Brandon Davis of Sarver; and Brody Davis of Sarver.   He is preceded in death by his parents, Mary Ercola Gasbarro Defilippi and Frank Defilippi of Leechburg.

Friends will be welcomed by his family on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Clawson Funeral & Cremation Center, 170 Main St., Leechburg, 724-842-1051.  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Thursday, June 13, at St. Mary, Mother of God Church, 608 High Street, Freeport, with the Most Rev. Larry J. Kulick and Rev. Richard J. Kosisko co-celebrants. Interment will be held at St. Catherine Cemetery in Gilpin Township.

His family suggests donations in memory of Tom to Christ the King Church, 125 Park Rd., Leechburg, PA 15656; or to St. Mary, Mother of God Church, 608 High St., Freeport, PA 16229; or to Freeport Area Meals on Wheels, 211 Fourth St., Freeport, PA 16229; or to the American Heart Association, 615 S. Main St., Greensburg, PA 15601.