Philip John DePaoli

Philip John DePaoli, aged 72, went to be with his Lord on November 9, 2024, peacefully and lovingly, at home with his family. He was a fan of humorous stories and tall tales, so keeping with this tradition, pull up a chair!

Phil was born on September 9, 1952. He attended Our Lady of Victory and Elder High School, where he briefly held the title of the second fastest man in Cincinnati - and still holds the record for the most demerits in one day! He graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a business degree in 1974. During this time, he worked at Crane & Breed Casket Co., where he quickly moved up the ranks from casket builder, to elevator operator, and (occasionally) quality control of testing out the caskets for eternal comfort. 

Phil was lucky enough to meet the love of his life, Mary Beth, in high school. They were married at Resurrection Church on June 21,1974, and they celebrated their 50th anniversary this past summer.

Phil picked up right where he left off from his Crane & Breed days, and he began a successful career in sales as a self-proclaimed “envelope salesman”. Spanning two decades of dedication at another local printing company and landing a few big accounts, Phil took a leap of faith, starting a new venture with Premier Graphics. Phil was so dedicated to his customers that he stayed active long past what others would consider retirement time, hand-writing his purchase orders and sending out invoices up until the end.

Throughout his life, Phil was the consummate salesman and master of nicknames… He would walk the talk with the best of them, never meeting a stranger and was always a friend. He exemplified how to live and love simply: Sitting in the garage, betting on the ponies, listening to music, cutting grass, or coaching ball; all was shared with family. Above all, his relationships with God and his faith were of the utmost importance.

Phil is predeceased by his father, Philip Jr., mother, Rosemary, and grandson, Gabriel. He is survived by his wife, Mary Beth, children Jason (Kelly), Jeremy, Amy (Mike Huwel), Lauren (Thomas DeFranco), and Megan (James Neilson), sister Patricia (the late Richard Pieschel), brother James (Mary), and 14 grandchildren: Edon, Jayne, Luca, Josie, Max, Charlotte, Rocco, Stella, Anthony, Violet, Penelope, Eliza, Huxley, and Hayes. Also, survived by numerous loving nieces, nephews and friends. 

Phil’s visitation will be held at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church on Thursday, November 14, 2024 from 9:30-10:30AM, immediately followed by a Mass of Christian burial.

For those unable to attend in person, here is the link to watch the service via the livestream: https://lourdes.org 

The family is requesting no flowers; instead, please consider donations be made in his honor to Samaritan’s Purse for Hurricane Helene victims (www.samaritanspurse.org/disaster/hurricane-helene/) or The Shield Ohio (www.theshieldohio.com).

 Go Steelers! Just kidding.