Frederick P. Filippi

FILIPPI, Frederick P. Filippi, Age 94, a member of “The World’s Greatest Generation” passed away on Thursday, May 3, 2018. He was born on September 14, 1923 to the late Irene Pickard and Enrico Paolo Filippi, who immigrated through Ellis Island from Bassiano, Latina, Italy. Fred was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. Fred is preceded in death by his loving wife Carolyn and daughter Barbara; Brothers Henry and Richard and Sister Delores. He is survived by daughter Constance (Connie) & (Don) Everhart, grandson Brett (Taylor) Everhart, Brother William (Connie) Filippi, brother in law Donald Harter & nieces and nephews and his buddy Rejeana Everhart. Fred attended St. Mary’s Elementary School, Acquinas and South High School. He was the oldest followed by Henry, Delores, Bill and Rich. The boys were the “Brothers Four” and all were in the military. Fred attended Kansas State University where he was studying Engineering while serving in the Army. Fred served in WWII in the 303rd Infantry Regiment 97th Infantry “Trident” Division in the most traveled unit in the European Theater, American Theater, and Asiatic – Pacific Theater. Fred and Carolyn met after the war where both were in a friends wedding. Throughout his life Fred was a kind person giving of his time and talents to help others. He lent a helping hand to many relatives when they returned from Military Duty or needed a home. People who knew him would say that he was a kind quiet person. For many years he did not talk about WWII until Brett asked some questions as they were discussing the War in History Class. He had a few stories to tell that held us in amazement. His unit was based in San Diego and was prepared to go to the Pacific when late one evening they received orders to turn in their “Suntans” (light weight uniforms and gear) and they were issued heavy winter gear. They were quietly without knowing where they were going shipped out to destinations unknown. They arrived in Europe and defended freedom through France, Germany, Czechoslovakia and Russia. Soldiers of the 97th Infantry Division were involved in some of the last hostile actions to take place in the European Theater of Operations. On V-E Day, religious services were conducted throughout the 97th Infantry Division area. General Halsey issued the following statement: “You, as members of the division, can look back for many years and say, ‘The Trident was on the march when the bell rang.’ … In our hearts we pray that God will remain with us in the tasks that lie ahead, … What lies ahead for the wearers of the Trident, I cannot say, but the Trident Division will be at the right place, at the right time and with a military record that justifies the pride and loyalty of all its members.” The soldiers of the Division learned that they would soon be ordered back to the United States, given thirty-day furloughs, and then sent to the Pacific to participate in the invasion of the Japanese home islands. As the men of the 97th Infantry Division reassembled at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima, Japan and Japan surrendered. For the soldiers of the Trident Division, Victory over Japan (V-J) Day, August 15, was an occasion for great rejoicing. If the soldiers of the 97th had to go to Japan, it was better to go as an occupation force. In late August Fred sailed for Japan. On September 2nd, the Japanese formally surrendered on the battleship Missouri in Tokyo Bay. The Trident Division served as part of the occupation forces in Japan for close to a year. Dad would tell stories of going into areas of Japan that most did not have the opportunity to see as he accompanied officers on missions. As the war ended great tribute was paid to those who wore the Trident Patch. Occupation forces sometimes sow the seeds of the next war. This was not the case of the Trident Division. The occupation of the six Japanese prefectures was characterized by military professionalism and human compassion. The men of the Trident Division participated in important historical events in Europe and the Far East that helped shape the second half of the twentieth century. Their hard work, accomplishments, sacrifice, and heroism constituted a military heritage worthy of emulation. (www.97thdivision.com/historypl.html) A story Fred recently told to one of his doctors – He said: When I get to Heaven, if I get to Heaven, I’m going to have a chat with God. You need help coming into this world and then you go through life. I was in WWII and was in France, Germany, Czechoslovakia, Russia and Japan in some of the biggest battles of the war. I didn’t get a scratch. My canteen got shot and probably saved my life. Now look at me, look at all of these bandages. And then you need help getting out of this world. So God and I are going to sit down and talk about this. He lived what he called a “good life”, where he enjoyed family, friends, and believed in working for a living. He used to say, if Man (your boss) asks you to do something you should do it. It doesn’t make any difference if it is in your job class or not – you are getting paid the same amount of wages so it really doesn’t make any difference what you are asked to do – you just do it. Fred especially enjoyed his children where he supported Connie and Barb in whatever they did – activities, band, sports and charities. He especially loved following his grandson Brett through sports and activities. One of their special trips was to the Fire Academy where Brett always enjoyed going with Grandpa to see the big Fire Engines and talking to the Firemen. His very special moments were seeing Brett graduate from Ohio State and Brett’s marriage to Taylor Oda. The following is an excerpt borrowed and appropriate to Fred: Lord Robert Baden-Powell’s Farewell Message To Scouts Of The World: “Dear Scouts: I have had a most happy life and I want each of you to have as happy a life, too. I believe that God put us in this jolly world to be happy and to enjoy life. Happiness doesn’t come from being rich, nor merely from being successful in your career, nor by self-indulgence. One step towards happiness is to make yourself healthy and strong while you are a boy so that you can be useful and so can enjoy life when you are a man. Nature study will show you how full of beautiful and wonderful things God has made the world for you to enjoy. Be contented with what you have got and make the best of it. Look on the bright side of things instead of the gloomy one. But the real way to get happiness is by giving out happiness to other people. Try and leave this world a little better than you found it and when your turn comes to die, you can die happy in feeling that at any rate you have not wasted your time but have done your best. “Be prepared” in this way to live happy and to die happy – stick to your Scout Promise always – even after you have ceased to be a boy – and God help you to do it.” Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, May 7, at 10 am at the chapel at Resurrection Cemetery, 9571 Columbus Pike, Lewis Center, where the family will receive friends at 9:30 am. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to The American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, The Simon Kenton Council Boy Scouts of America or your favorite charity in Fred’s name. Many thanks to St. Joan of Arc Parish and Rutherford Funeral Home Powell.

Frederick P. Filippi

September 14, 1923 - May 3, 2018