The Honorable Walter A. DeFilippi

Sadly we announce that Walter passed away peacefully on Jan 15, 2024 at the age of 97. He was born in 1926 to Paolo and Benvenuta (Pernice) DeFilippi.  He was proud of his Italian heritage and was close to his parents, and sister, Tosca, and their extended family.  He was a devout Catholic and a communicant of Sacred Heart Church. He grew up in West Springfield and lived there for 90 years before moving to Agawam. Walter graduated from West Springfield High School, Springfield Trade School, New York University with a Degree in Electrical Engineering and Western New England College with a Masters in Business Administration. He was a US Navy veteran during WWII, and an Ensign in the US Naval Reserves. He married Edith (Tusha) Lappe in 1954.  Walter and Tusha loved to dance, entertain, ski, take vacations, and spend time with family and friends. They were also ambitious and hardworking. They owned and managed apartment buildings in Western Mass, and hotels in Hampton Beach, for many years. All while Walter worked at Tennessee Gas Pipeline Company, and later at Henkels and McCoy, Inc., as an engineer.  He also served as Chairman of the Board of Directors for the South Essex Sewerage District in his later years. In 1979, Walter was elected State Representative for the 6th Hampden District, and held that office until 2000.  During his time at the State House, he was Assistant Minority Leader, and Republican Whip.  He also served on multiple committees and commissions, earning numerous awards and citations, including Legislature of the Year from multiple organizations. Walter loved the town he grew up in and was proud to serve as Chairman of the Board of Assessors, Chairman of the Finance Committee, Chairman of Veterans' Services Board, as a member of the Town Government Study Committee, Engineering Dept. Study Committee, Municipal Office Building Feasibility Study Group, and as a Town Meeting Member for 20 years. Walter also belonged to several local civic groups.  He was past president of the West Springfield Club, Past Director of the Lions Club, Past Director of the Tuesday Club and Past Director of the Center for Human Development. He also belonged to the West Springfield/Agawam Elks Club, Rotary Club, UNICO, Verdi Club, Dante Club, VFW, American Legion, Springfield Chamber of Commerce, and the Hampden County Anti-Drug Coalition. Walter was known for his "cowboy hats", and his jokes and stories.  He loved to dance, and enjoyed attending concerts and plays, going to the beach, and holidays with his family. In his younger days he spent time golfing and skiing.  He arranged dinners with his ROMEO group, and his State House carpool, as well as outings with his cherished friends.  He loved to read until his failing eyesight slowed him down. For almost 90 years he made the "Christmas Rounds" on Christmas morning, first with his dad, then with his kids, visiting friends and family around Western Mass. He and Tusha had great "trim the tree" parties during the holidays.  They were wonderful hosts and their door was always open, whether it was at their home on Pease Ave, at or Hampton Beach, or at their Florida condo.  Many memories were made in those 97 years. Walter is survived by his daughters, Judy Asselin of Southwick, Joanne Conway and Jay Moran of Hingham, and Janine & Peter Cassell of Feeding Hills, and by his grandchildren, Gina Asselin, Lindsey Asselin, Alex Cassell, Sydney Cassell and Chris Rumplik, and great grandchildren, Mya and Caroline Bolk. He is also survived by his dear friend, and companion, Carol Santilli, of West Springfield, and many extended family and friends. He was predeceased by his wife, Tusha, his parents, his sister Tosca and her husband John Pandolfi, his son-in-law, Bob Asselin, his nephew David Pandolfi, and companion Irene Gutowski. Relatives and friends are invited to a Funeral Mass on Monday at 9 am at Sacred Heart Church, 395 Chestnut Street, Springfield followed by burial in St. Thomas Cemetery in West Springfield. Calling hours are Sunday from 3-6pm at Curran Jones Funeral Home, 109 Main Street, West Springfield.  In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to American Macular Degeneration Foundation, Box 515, Northampton, MA 01061 or the Soldier's Home, 110 Cherry St., Holyoke, MA 01040. For online condolences, please visit www.curranjones.com