It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our Brother Anothony Dilenno ’90 into Chapter Eternal. We want to express out deepest sympathies to his family, friends, and loved ones.
Source Courtesy of Ruffenach Family Funeral Homes
Anthony J DiIenno III, beloved first born son of Anthony and Theresa DiIenno. Loving eldest brother to Lisa, Debi, Michael and Annemarie. Father of three resilient children, Cassidy, Corina and Croix. Grandfather to Savannah and Daniel Madonna. “Meatball” was loved deeply by nearly all who knew him… even when he was thought to be an ass.
Anthony was taken back to heaven in the peaceful state many knew him to enjoy, willingly falling asleep on the ground, in the loving company of his partner Terry. Though he was taken at the relatively early age of 56 by natural causes, Anthony lived a full and adventurous life, backpacking with his uncle Ray. Managing with Colleen, mountain biking with Joe, and enjoying box seats at a game with his college roommate and friend of over 30 years, Dave.
A natural leader, the people’s person, class president in his highschool years, and member of the Sigma Nu fraternity at the University of Penn. A lacrosse midfielder and a defensive lineman on his football team.
Though he was somewhat of a classic Italian workaholic, he showed up. Coaching Cas’s hockey team and Croix’s soccer team. If your child had a lacrosse game, he was there, he might’ve even helped them practice. A party? There. Graduation, celebration, funeral? Yup, there too.
He loved music, going to memorable concerts like the Rolling Stones and Pink Floyd’s, The Wall. He expressed that love with others as a DJ in his early career. He loved sports, engaging company, people watching, conversation, good food, and a raging thunderstorm which calmed his passionate heart.
Anthony was the first line of defense against the unjust and stood strong for what he held dear. When he sold insurance, he wasn’t trying to sell you a product. Anthony genuinely tried to get you greater coverage at a lesser expense. If he couldn’t help you, he’d tell you straight up. Though it wasn’t often that he couldn’t find a way to help. If it wasn’t insurance it was a shoulder to cry on or a ride home.
He was not only a great example of shouldering his own cross, but tried to carry a little piece of everyone’s. Quick to self sacrifice and quick to love. Quick to compassion and booming vocals. A soldier of bright light even when marching through darkness.
He will be dearly missed by all.
Family and friends are asked to please join us for visitation on Thursday March 6th 6-8pm and liturgy/memorial service Friday March 7th at 2pm at St. Dorothy’s Church 4910 Township Line Road Drexel Hill, PA 19026