Po Joseph DiPanfilo, 88, of Somerville, and recently of Weymouth, MA passed away on January 18, 2021. Predeceased by parents Clorinda Cerone and Vincenzo DiPanfilo, wife Joanne Glazebrook DiPanfilo, siblings Jenny and Peter DiIacovo, Viola and Alexander Cacchione, Emilio and Betty DiPanfilo, Angelina and Harry Delcore, and Alba and Edward Franco. Beloved father of Paul and Kathleen DiPanfilo of North Reading, James and Patricia DiPanfilo of Saugus, Carol and Robert Barry of Weymouth, Jean and Kenneth Hahn of Framingham, and Joan and David Cardalino of Revere. Cherished grandfather of 11 and great grandfather of 7. Also survived by many loving nieces and nephews. Proudly served in the US Air Force during the Korean Conflict. Retired from MIT in 1987. Original member of the East Somerville “Dukes” he entertained with an endless array of tales from hopping streetcars, hauling ice blocks, rescuing animals, fending friends to righting wrongs. Consummate lifelong outdoorsman who engaged in colorful hunting and fishing expeditions. He never worked on a broken motor that couldn’t be conquered. He was an expert gardener. His absolute love and dedication to family and friends couldn’t be matched. He lived by his own authentic set of rules while maintaining a magnanimous moral compass. He will be sorely missed but the Legend will endure .Funeral services are private. Burial in Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne Arrangements by the Clancy-Lucid Funeral Home Weymouth. Sincere thanks to the Pat Roche Hospice Home in Hingham, the Brockton VA and Beacon Hospice for their compassionate care during the last few weeks of his life. Funeral services will be private.
Nearly 50 years ago, when I first met Mr. DiPanfilo, he made it perfectly clear to me that his name was “Po”. I never made the mistake of calling him Mr. DiPanfilo again. You always knew exactly where you stood with Po! He never mixed words, never stood on middle ground, and never feared competition. Playing basketball with Po was some of my fondest memories. I don’t think Po ever committed a foul in the years I played with him, though many of his opponents left the court with bruises. Po was one of the most competitive individuals I’ve ever come across in my life. That’s what made him special. I feel very blessed to have known Po, and even though I haven’t seen him in several years, he played a major part in my formative years of life. And I’ll never forget the first time Po called me “a stupid moron”. To me, in a strange way, it felt like I just earned Po’s respect, and on a personal note, I will always cherish how respectful he was towards my father, Sid.
Po, God Bless You and Rest In Peace!