Felix "Philly D" De Crescenzo

Felix A. "Philly D" De Crescenzo, 96, a lifelong resident of Port Chester passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on August 26, 2021.  He was born October 17, 1924, in Port Chester to the late Bartholomew and Beatrice Lovallo De Crescenzo. He was raised and educated in Port Chester graduating from Port Chester High School in 1943 where he lettered in both football and baseball. He served in the United States Navy as a seaman first class from November 1943 to January 11, 1946. He was a member of the original crew aboard the USS Los Angelis.

Felix was a self-employed mechanical engineer and owned several gas stations in the area.  He was a parishioner of the Holy Rosary Church in Port Chester and a member of the Port Chester Old Timers Association.  He is survived by his beloved brother Bartholomew De Crescenzo and his wife Adelaide,  brother-in-law Ralph Berlingo all of Port Chester along with his devoted 18 nieces and nephews, 40 great nieces and nephews, 29 great great nieces and nephew (with #30 due in October) and 1 great great great nephew. He was predeceased by his brother Joseph De Crescenzo and wife Sophie and sisters Jennie Clarkson, Sadie Berlingo and Carmela Pitasi and husband Nicholas.

At 16 years old, Phil and his brothers and sisters lost their father Bartholomew. As the oldest male of 6 six children, Phil instantly became father and provider for his mother and his siblings. He embraced this sudden responsibility of Patriarch with grace, selflessness and acts of kindness. As time passed and the family around him grew large, He became a role model to all. Not just as an uncle, but as a grandfather and friend.  Life lessons were in abundance. Whether demonstrating a strong work ethic, learning how to treat people with respect, helping others, there was always something you could learn from Philly. What he did, he did out of love, never wanting to be in the spotlight or looking for accolades. His humility was his greatest quality. Service and sacrifice his creed.

Philly D loved music. Many an hour were spent at the basement bar listening to the big bands with friends and family. The passionate debates about singers and musicians were electric, filling the room with laughter and creating memories surely to last for generations.  While we can’t prove it, “Name that Tune” may have originated in the hallowed walls of a basement bar in Port Chester, NY.

An avid baseball and football fan, he loved watching all his nieces and nephews play high school sports. He was a Red Sox fan much to the dismay of the rest of the family. He found great joy in letting us know that as often as he could.

Philly D was also known for his legendary holiday cookouts in the back yard. And it was just another example of how the leader of the band brought the family together. Our entire family is so fortunate for your inspiration. We are honored to be your family. We are all better people because of you. Rest in peace Philly D. You are in our hearts and minds forever.

Visitation will be 4-8PM on Tuesday August 31, 2021, at Craft Memorial Home, Inc.  Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30AM on Wednesday September 1, 2021, at Parish of Saint John Bosco/Our Lady of Mercy 260 Westchester Ave. Port Chester, NY. Interment is private.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Port Chester Rye Brook EMS 417 Ellendale Ave. Port Chester, NY 10573 or to Saint Jude's Children's Research Hospital

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