ForeverMissed
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Thomas Charles Fileccia, 78, of Wallingford, PA died unexpectedly on Thursday, January 21, 2021 from complications of the Covid-19 virus. Tom leaves his beloved wife of 57 years Sharon (Nihill), his children Laurie (Sean Ryan), Tom (Kim Wade), Sharon, Susan (Mike Ranck) and Ben. He was “Poppy” to many, including his grandchildren Emily, Allison and Colin Ranck; Jacob and Hannah Kerkering; and Liam MacDonald. Tom also leaves his sisters Teresa Egan (Dennis), Miriam Forte (Tom), and many nieces and nephews and cousins. Tom was predeceased by this brother Robert (Linda).

Tom’s legacy is the love and care he shared with all of those he met. He married his high school sweetheart whom he cherished with his whole heart and soul. He had life-long friendships from his career at the Defense Personnel Support Center in S. Philadelphia (now known as the Defense Logistics Agency), raising his family in Havertown, and spending 25 years in Mullica Hill NJ, before moving closer to family in Wallingford, PA. Everyone who knew Tom remembered him for his loving heart, easy laughter, and his caring spirit. Due to his life-long battle with Type 1 Diabetes and the complications that brought, he lived every day as if it were his last.

We will remember his beautiful life with a private liturgy, which will be livestreamed on Saturday, January 30 at 1: 30 pm . Livestream go to www.holyspiritweb.org, "Parish Masses Livestream"

We are asking friends and family of Tom Fileccia to share a brief memory of him. Please add your own video memories below (it's quick & easy) and we will preserve these stories in our family forever. Thank you!" https://app.vidhug.com/remembering-tom-fileccia-/B...

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Juvenile Diabetes Association (jdrf.org); Donate Life America (Donatelife.net); or the Alzheimer’s Association (Alz.org). 

Fertig Funeral Home, LLC

January 22, 2022
January 22, 2022
Tom and Sharon were our neighbors and friends for many years. Tom was like a Father to my husband and I. He was never to busy to help or give advice when needed. We were so fortunate to have met and become friends with them and their lovely family. He has been missed and the world lost 2 amazing people when they were taken from us
January 21, 2022
January 21, 2022
Last night we had our Council meeting with Brother Knights. Tom and Sharon were thought of in word and prayer. Thinking of you.
February 4, 2021
February 4, 2021
Tom was a dear friend from work whom I enjoyed being with all of the time. I last spoke with Tom on New Year's Eve. We had a very pleasant 30 minute conversation about current events, family and other things. I was impressed by his love of Sharon and how he stood by her in the last years of their life together. I had composed a poem in his memory based on memorial poems composed by family in North Ireland. when I tried to video it I kept breaking down in tears so I abandoned the video effort. It was really not a very good poem anyway. I will attempt to put it at the end of this tribute.

                TO THE MEMORY OF TOM FILECCIA
IT IS HARD TO PART WITH THOSE WE LOVE
WHEN FRIENDSHIP'S TIES ARE STRONG
SUCH IS THE FEELING THAT I HAVE BE IT RIGHT OR WRONG
I CAN'T FORGET THE HAPPY DAYS -THE PLEASANT DAYS OF YORE
SINCE MY DEAR FRIEND TOMMY ALAS IS NOW NO MORE

SUCH FRIENDS AS HE AND COMRADES KIND MADE ME CAST CARES ASIDE
I THINK I HEAR HIM AS OF YORE-HIS VOICE IS WITH ME STILL
HE WAS A FAITHFUL HUSBAND A FATHER KIND AND TRUE
TOM WAS A TRUE ROLE MODEL-LOYAL THROUGH AND THROUGH

TOM WAS A RELIGIOUS MAN
WE ALL KNOW THIS IS TRUE
WE'LL MEET AGAIN IN HEAVEN WHEN OUR EARTHLY JOURNEY'S THROUGH
TIS ONLY NATURAL TO GRIEVE BUT SINFUL TO DESPAIR
GOD BLESS HIS WIFE AND CHILDREN IS OUR SINCEREST PRAYER
OH LORD ASSIST THEM BY THY GRACE THEIR HEAVY CROSS TO BEAR
January 31, 2021
January 31, 2021
My wife Jayne & I streamed the service yesterday and both share fond memories of Tom. He was always pleasant, fun to be around, and a man of solid character. Unfortunately Jayne & I couldn’t attend the service yesterday because of all that is going on, but if we did I would have shared one of my favorites “Mr. Fileccia” stories:

Mr. Fileccia (he will always be Mr. Fileccia to me) and I used to sneak out for a round of golf from time to time; he really loved the game. He wasn’t the biggest hitter off the tee, but kept it straight most of the time. I was the opposite – big hitter, but I really didn’t know where the ball was going to end up after I hit it. I remember one time we were playing and I really got a hold of one – a low line drive right down the middle of the fairway that seemed to disappear it went out so far. I didn’t do that often, so as I stood there admiring my shot Mr. Fileccia came up to me and said, “I wish I hit the ball as far as you, I could use the exercise”. Still beaming with the results of my shot, I really only heard the first part of his statement and played on.

A few holes later as I trudged up and down hills of the wrong fairway in the hot sun looking for my ball, it hit me - Mr. Fileccia’s comment a few holes back was a dig more than a compliment. Here I was getting “the exercise” he was talking about, but was getting it because I didn’t hit the ball straight. After two shots I finally got back onto the fairway where he was and he saw my face and knew I had finally figured out what he saying. He then gave me that sly little grin of his and said something like “lots of hills over there huh?” and broke out in laughter.

I honestly can’t remember what either of our scores were that day, or any other day we played. But I will always remember how much I enjoyed being around Mr. Fileccia – golf course or no golf course.

Rest in peace Mr. Fileccia.
January 30, 2021
January 30, 2021
It has been a long time since we saw Tom and Sharon, but have many fond memories. Love to the Fileccia family. 
Pat and John Josefowski
January 29, 2021
January 29, 2021
While I had too short a time to get to know Poppy, what I remember is the sound of his laugh, the sight of his smile and the delight he took, particularly as he remembered Sharon and Liam's dog Finn.
January 29, 2021
January 29, 2021
Tom, your passing breaks our hearts. You have filled our lives with joy and laughter on so many occasions-from our Super Bowl parties, rounds of golf, Eagles postgame talks, dinners and calls from Plush Mills. By your example, you showed us how to love family and friends and open our arms to strangers. You are a life well lived and we are forever grateful for knowing you and Sharon. Love always.
Frank & Dorothy Bruzek
January 29, 2021
January 29, 2021
In addition to being a good man, at DPSC office of data systems, Tom FIleccia was a problem solver who could be relied on. We will forever be in his debt.
January 28, 2021
January 28, 2021
 Tom was one of the first people I met when I went to work at
DPSC. Shared many lunches, retirement parties & the occasional TDY. I remember him as the child whisperer. When any one brought a child with in distance he would just open his arms and the kid was in them. I'm honored to have been his friend.
January 28, 2021
January 28, 2021
My Wife Amy and I were very sorry to hear to Tom's passing, and we send our sincere condolences to our Friend Ben and his Family. I enjoyed talking with Tom; he was always thoughtful, and thought-provoking. Tom was a Gentleman, as well as a Gentle Man. Your thoughts and opinions mattered to him. Our World is a lesser place with his death. Thoughts, sympathies, and prayers.  Mike Flanagan.
January 28, 2021
January 28, 2021
   Tom was truly amazing. He engaged with every one, and in every conversation, he exhibited humor and concern.
   He faced life's greatest challenges with extraordinary faith and optimism.
He was as fine a friend as you could possibly hope for.
   His passing is difficult for me to accept. We had recently talked of brighter days ahead--maybe even a few holes of golf.
   May his soul rest in peace.
                                         by Larry Walsh 
    
January 28, 2021
January 28, 2021
I was with Tom too few times since Mike and Sue got married and grew into a wonderful five-member family. But I relish each visit that included this fine delightful man. I remember his laughter over our and his jokes, his fun playing games, his wisdom in issue discussions, his love of family, his expressed concern over my troubled first marriage. What a special father, father-in-law, grandparent, friend, extraordinarily good man he was! 
January 27, 2021
January 27, 2021
My best memory of Uncle Tom was when we walked on the Atlantic City Pier the summer after dad died (Robert Fileccia). He told me alot of good stories about dad and we laughed together.
I will miss Uncle Tom greatly. He was such an inspiration and I learned alot from his experience, strength and hope.
Rest in Peace Uncle Tom. Our prayers are also out to Aunt Sharon and all of our cousins.
Ian and Kent
January 27, 2021
January 27, 2021
Laurie -
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May you be comforted by the memories. Sending you a big hug!
January 27, 2021
January 27, 2021
How do you sum up 50 years? Tom was truly a great friend. My kids always remember his generosity. Tom gave my daughter his Dodge Colt so that she could drive back and forth to college so that she could work part time. My son still talks about the rotating files in work that Tom stacked with toys for the kids that visited at Christmas time. He never realized the impression he was making.  I will miss our monthly dinners at Plush Mills. And our Pool tournaments. One of the things. I admired most about Tom was his love and devotion for Sharon. Rest easy my dear friend.....you will be missed by many.
January 27, 2021
January 27, 2021
I haven't seen Mr. Fileccia for a good many years, but I remember his tremendous smile he shared so freely. He was such a kind man!
Benji , my sincerest condolences to you and your family on the loss of your father.
January 26, 2021
January 26, 2021
Debi and I met Tom & Sharon shortly after we started going to Holy Name probably about 25 years or so ago. It was so easy to want to be friends with them both. You could instantly feel the love, warmth and compassion from both of them. They both immediately embraced our Michael from the moment they met him up until he passed away a few short years later. To Madison and Abby they will always be Poppy & Nanna. Our family shared breakfast with them after mass on Sundays for many years. Tom and I were also active in the Knights together and in fact, I recruited him to join with me. We had such great times helping others in our years with the Knights. We will miss the great conversations over breakfast, lunch or dinner and visits with them at their home in Mullica Hill and Plush Mills. Of course Sharon's delightful sense of humor still tickles me to this day. Tom always made you feel like you were the most important person to him during our many years of friendship, laughs, conversations and golf outings. Tom made everyone feel special when he was in your presence. That's just who he was. Simply one of the finest, loving human beings I've ever had the privilege of knowing in my life. Until we meet again my friend. Give a hug to Michael for us!
The Wallace family sends our deepest sympathies and prayers to the Fileccia Family! Peace.
January 26, 2021
January 26, 2021
Tom Fileccia was my husband's first cousin, such a nice man. He and his wife Sharon always made me feel comfortable and welcome to all the family gatherings. I especially remember all the fun he made for the kids at the annual family picnic. He always had a smile, a friendly word, or a joke and you knew God and his family were very important to him. May he RIP with the angels.
January 26, 2021
January 26, 2021
My heart felt sympathy goes out to the entire Fileccia Family on the loss of Tom. It was always a pleasure to be in his company. I admired Tom; he had his priorities in order; he was a devoted husband , father, and a man of faith. God bless him, surely he is in heaven.
January 26, 2021
January 26, 2021
When I arrived at St. Denis to start as the Director of Religious Education, Tom and Sharon were so gracious and welcoming. Tom volunteered as a catechist and he was so engaging and caring. I never forgot his welcoming face and presence even though I haven't seen him since he and Sharon moved from Havertown. St. Denis just wasn't the same, as their presence was so vital to the community. For me, Tom's faith in Jesus was manifested in his demeanor. I'm sure he will be missed a great deal but his memory will live on! As Winnie the Pooh says: “If there ever comes a day when we can’t be together, keep me in your heart, I’ll stay there forever.” I convey my condolences to Sharon and her family!
January 26, 2021
January 26, 2021
Tom and Sharon and their lovely family were our neighbors for many years in Havertown.  Tom was always there for us when we needed something, whether it be advice or help with a home problem.  Sharon gave so much support and information for anything and everything.  We always shared a friendly exchange over our hedges or talked about family and friends. He was there when you needed him and made a big impact on our lives. cherished by all who knew him he was devoted to his family. Sending prayers for the entire family.
January 25, 2021
January 25, 2021
I will forever remember fun Christmas dinners, the best pizzelle cookies, laughter and love.  The love my uncle and Aunt shared was wonderful and Uncle Tom will be missed!

Aunt Sharon, Laurie, Tommy, Susan, Sharon and Ben (and families) my thoughts and love are with you ❤️
January 25, 2021
January 25, 2021
Breakfast after mass, coordinated by Tom, with Tom, Sharon and many others was always a fun time. He was Mr. Tom to some of the young'uns and others. Tom approached any topic with a positive attitude and, when necessary, a pleasant way of disagreement. His love and care for Sharon was front and center. He was devoted to Church and the Knights of Columbus. A friend to many. I will miss our recent talks every few weeks. So long for now to a man I respected and was fortunate to have known.

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Recent Tributes
January 22, 2022
January 22, 2022
Tom and Sharon were our neighbors and friends for many years. Tom was like a Father to my husband and I. He was never to busy to help or give advice when needed. We were so fortunate to have met and become friends with them and their lovely family. He has been missed and the world lost 2 amazing people when they were taken from us
January 21, 2022
January 21, 2022
Last night we had our Council meeting with Brother Knights. Tom and Sharon were thought of in word and prayer. Thinking of you.
February 4, 2021
February 4, 2021
Tom was a dear friend from work whom I enjoyed being with all of the time. I last spoke with Tom on New Year's Eve. We had a very pleasant 30 minute conversation about current events, family and other things. I was impressed by his love of Sharon and how he stood by her in the last years of their life together. I had composed a poem in his memory based on memorial poems composed by family in North Ireland. when I tried to video it I kept breaking down in tears so I abandoned the video effort. It was really not a very good poem anyway. I will attempt to put it at the end of this tribute.

                TO THE MEMORY OF TOM FILECCIA
IT IS HARD TO PART WITH THOSE WE LOVE
WHEN FRIENDSHIP'S TIES ARE STRONG
SUCH IS THE FEELING THAT I HAVE BE IT RIGHT OR WRONG
I CAN'T FORGET THE HAPPY DAYS -THE PLEASANT DAYS OF YORE
SINCE MY DEAR FRIEND TOMMY ALAS IS NOW NO MORE

SUCH FRIENDS AS HE AND COMRADES KIND MADE ME CAST CARES ASIDE
I THINK I HEAR HIM AS OF YORE-HIS VOICE IS WITH ME STILL
HE WAS A FAITHFUL HUSBAND A FATHER KIND AND TRUE
TOM WAS A TRUE ROLE MODEL-LOYAL THROUGH AND THROUGH

TOM WAS A RELIGIOUS MAN
WE ALL KNOW THIS IS TRUE
WE'LL MEET AGAIN IN HEAVEN WHEN OUR EARTHLY JOURNEY'S THROUGH
TIS ONLY NATURAL TO GRIEVE BUT SINFUL TO DESPAIR
GOD BLESS HIS WIFE AND CHILDREN IS OUR SINCEREST PRAYER
OH LORD ASSIST THEM BY THY GRACE THEIR HEAVY CROSS TO BEAR
Recent stories

Christmases to Remember

January 28, 2021
Before I get started I just wanted to send my love to my Aunt Sharon and my cousins Laurie, Tommy, Susan, Sharon and Ben(ji). All of you are in my thoughts and prayers and I hope these memories make you laugh and smile during this time.

When I was younger Christmas was a time we spent with the Fileccia family.  Mumsie and Pop, Aunt Sharon and Uncle Tom, my cousins and all their spouses or significant others and kids would pile into our house and my mom would cook for hours.    I will never forget the laughter and love that filled our house for those hours.  

Uncle Tom would bring a huge bin of home baked cookies.   His cookies were always my favorite and I loved that he let me sneak a few before dinner!!

whenever I think of Uncle Tom, he will have that mischievous smile on - sneaking me a cookie!!


I love all of you and want to remind you like Laurie did for me when we lost my mom- look for the signs. He is always with you, watching over you and smiling at your achievements.   


January 25, 2021
Tom was a fixture in our cider press neighborhood. Both he and Sharon welcomed us immediately when we moved in 17 years ago.Tom was an avid walker and our dogs loved him and somehow always knew when he was coming around the corner. They were always eager to go out and see him. As a brother knight at Holy Name KofC council I have so many fond memories of Tom and Sharon and how much they gave to their community. We will miss him greatly. God speed Tom. 

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