Philip Pilletere Jr.

Philip Pilletere Jr., age 88, of Orange passed away on September 23, 2020.  He was the loving husband of Frances Dini Pilletere.  Philip was born in New Haven on January 12, 1932, son of the late Philip and Carmel Panico Pilletere.  He is also survived by his loving children, Michael (Donna) Pilletere of Italy, Phyllis (Edwin) Pilletere-DeLeon of CO, Donna (Scott) Williams and Philip (Kristen) Pilletere all of West Haven. He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren, US Army Sergeant First Class Eric (Heather) Pilletere, Kevin (Brittanea Kirby) Pilletere, Stephanie (Paul) Cavanna, Stacey (Christopher Moran) Williams, Philip and Matthew Pilletere, and his great grandchildren Reilly, Hazel, Gianna, Nico, Liliana and Leo.  He leaves behind his siblings Richard Pilletere, Patricia Leonardo and Dolores Pilletere.  He was predeceased by his siblings Vito, Robert and Louis Pilletere, Rose Salzo, Gloria Smith, Ann DeCresenzo and Ronna Alexander. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews.  

Philip was a proud USMC Veteran, who served in Korea.  In addition, he served as a police officer for the City of West Haven, was a former employee of Mariani Construction and a former Vice President at Blakeslee Arpaia Chapman Inc.

Phil was a man that wore many hats and lived a life that was full and experienced throughout his time. A United States Marine Non-Commissioned Officer and combat veteran of the Korean War, a police officer, a construction worker, and so much more. Further than his occupations, he was a family man that was fully devoted and loving to his wife, Frances of 68 years. He loved his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren with all his being. He taught, mentored, and coached each generation of his family life skills that were valuable to their success, and he was proud of them every step of the way. He was a man whose heart stretched past his immediate family and he could be found opening his doors to extended family and friends on holidays or other celebrations.

He kept his love for his wife rejuvenated by taking her out for dinner and dancing on the weekends, and on a variety of vacation destinations throughout the year. He enjoyed his free time playing golf with family and friends, walking on the West Haven boardwalk with whoever would join him, and giving back to others by assisting with any form of building and remodeling. He was always the first to arrive and last to leave. He would provide a helping hand, a tool, supervision, or just a good story and some well received company. Other days he could be found watching old western or nostalgic films, and a variety of sporting events on TV. He was a true and dedicated Dallas Cowboys and New York Yankees fan.

His smile was contagious, and he stood out in a room. His Sundays were dedicated to church, meeting with friends for breakfast, and family for a dinner meal. He could be found at Nicks with his "counter crew" eating home fries, or "potatoes" as he liked to call them. He was immensely proud of his heritage and passed traditions and stories to any open ear. He volunteered throughout his life with many organizations including the Young Marines Program. In addition he spent much of his time working and volunteering at the local Italian American club, where he could be found working Thursday night bingo and bartending on weekends with his brother-in-law "Mickey".

His scope of influence was felt by countless people, he was loved and respected by all who knew him, and he will be greatly missed.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial at Holy Infant Church in Orange on Monday, September 28th at 11am.  Interment will follow in St. Lawrence Cemetery.  There will be no hours for visitation.  The West Haven Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.

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