Raymond P. DeFillipo

MSgt. Raymond P. DeFillipo,73, passed away peacefully at his residence on Friday, September 8, 2023. Born in New Brunswick, NJ on May 12, 1950 to Captain Anthony and Viola Jane (Felix) DeFillipo.  

Ray married SunHee (Choe) on September 6,1997 in Dover NH. After spending 20 years in Pensacola, FL they recently moved back to Manchester, NH to be near family.

After graduating from Winnacunnet High School in 1968, Ray enlisted in the US Air Force in 1969. As a Flight Engineer, Ray proudly served our country flying 'SAMFOX' missions until he retired in 1989, as a Master Sergeant. During his time in the Air Force, Ray not only traveled to all 7 continents but found his love of flying and eventually went on to become the Flight Engineer for the NHL’s New Jersey Devils then NHL Arizona "Phoenix" Coyotes, with Paradigm. 

Along with Ray's love of flying, his first and foremost relationship was with God. Ray put God above all else then his wife and family.  Ray worked for Operation Blessing where he would join missions to help others, including recovery and aid after Hurricane Katrina.  After graduating from Brownsville Revival School of Ministry, Ray became an ordained minister where he worked with other ministries to help heal many hearts.

In between eating his bowls of black raspberry ice cream, Ray would play golf or white water raft in the Grand Canyon, when he could. Ray loved watching Tom Brady play. When Tom wasn't playing, he enjoyed a good hockey game. Ray loved playing Rummikub with his family and flipping that countdown timer. Ray's love for SunHee was immense, fulfilling and inspiring, and she adored her 'Yobo'.

Ray cherished his time with his stepsons and their families. 

Ray leaves behind his beloved, SunHee, 2 days after celebrating their 26th anniversary.  Step-son, Nicholas Hollen and wife Amy; step-son, Christopher Hollen and wife Nicole. Step-grandchildren Logan Forcier and Sean LaFlamme all from Manchester NH. Sisters Diane Norton; Maryann Stupka (husband Rusty); Joanne Stevens. Brother "Flip" Anthony DeFillipo (wife Susan) and many nieces and nephews, especially his princess, Dayae Choi. 

Ray is predeceased by his sister Suzie Boyle.

SERVICES: To honor Ray's patriotism, per family's request, wearing of red, white or blue is encouraged.  A memorial gathering will be held on Thursday, September 14, 2023 from 10 a.m to 12 Noon at Phaneuf Funeral Homes & Crematorium, 243 Hanover Street, in Manchester. A memorial service will follow in the funeral home chapel at 12 Noon. Committal prayers and military honors will follow at Prospect Hill Cemetery, in Greenland, NH. 

A private celebration of life will be held at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, the DeFillipo family requests that you donate to the Air Force Enlisted Village “To provide a home” for the widows of retired enlisted members of the Air & Space Forces. To give, please visit The Air Force Assistance Fund donation webpage at https://www.afassistancefund.org/index.php/afaf-donations/ .   Click the checkbox next to “Air Force Enlisted Village” and make a donation of any amount.  Please select “ANDREWS” as “Base of Assignment”; include “MSgt Raymond DeFillipo” in the “Memoriam” field; and enter “1 AS” as “Unit of Assignment” (the 1^st Airlift Squadron).  This was Raymond’s last assignment during his Air Force Career and giving to his former squadron will help them meet their 2023 fundraising goal in support of Enlisted Air Force Widows

"See you later, alligator"

Phaneuf Funeral Homes and Crematorium assisted the family with arrangements. To view an online memorial, leave a message of condolence, or for more information please go to https://phaneuf.net/