Harry J. DiLabbio

Harry J. DiLabbio of Malvern woke up in the arms of his Savior in Heaven on Friday, March 10, 2023.

He was born on 1/29/1937 on the early morning shift at the Chester County Hospital to J. Harry & Elizabeth Selfinger DiLabbio, then of Cedar Hollow, PA. Aside from his military service, Harry was a lifelong resident of Malvern Borough and Willistown Township, never straying far from his roots.

Harry attended St. Patrick School and the Malvern Junior High and graduated from the T-E High School in 1954. He enlisted in the Army and served at the 38th Parallel facility in Korea from 1957-1959. He received a special commendation for his design and construction of a recreational facility for those soldiers serving on the border between Communist North and the free South Korea before returning to a stint with the National Guard and civilian life.

While working at Aeroprojects in West Chester, Harry achieved his engineering degree from the Spring Garden Institute via many years of study and evening courses. Upon Aeroprojects’ closing, he was employed until his retirement by Johnson Matthey as Facilities Plant Engineering Manager in Malvern and Downingtown.

Harry married the love of his life, Margaret (Peggy) DeVincent in 1964; they raised their three surviving children, Charles V. (Chuck) DiLabbio (Danni); Deanna M. Ammon (Bruce); and Angela Holton (Mark) in their little happy home on the cul de sac. Their eldest son, Joseph, passed in infancy. Harry is also survived by grandchildren Harry, Olivia, Sophia, Emily, Abigail and Nicholas. A beloved grandson, Eric, received his angel wings in 2009. Harry is also survived by two sisters, Amelia A./Poochie Bovell (David) and Regina L. King (Joe) both of Malvern and several cousins.

Harry’s companion in the past 20 years, Angela Bovell, expanded the family with the addition of her daughter, Lisa Marie Horrocks (Joseph); her daughters, Amanda Lee Brown (Brandon) and Ashley Hankin. Baby Beau Brown has now brought a new life into the mix!

Harry was the consummate devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He and his BFF Cliff Bond coached his daughters’ softball teams in the Chester Valley Little League and attended a plethora of school activities, proms, dance recitals and Olivia & Emily’s softball games. He had a passion for singing and music, even building his own Hawaiian steel guitar. Harry loved dancing, fine dining and going on cruises with Angie and their combined families.

Harry was leader of the Sons of Italy at St. Patrick’s Parish for several decades and served on numerous reunion committees for his T-E Class of 1954 activities.

Harry was valued by his employees, treasured by his friends, and his sardonic, droll sense of humor will be his badge of honor from all who will never forget him. Thanks for the memories, Harry!

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Mass on Monday, March 20, at 11:00am from St. Patrick’s church in Malvern. Burial St. Agnes cemetery in West Chester. Viewing Sunday evening 6-8pm

At the Alleva Funeral Home, Inc. 1724 E. Lancaster Ave. Paoli, PA. and also Monday morning 10-11 in the Church.

In lieu of flowers, the DiLabbio family kindly requests that donations be made out to “Eric’s Place”, an all-abilities, tractor-themed playground located at Bert Reel Park in Parkesburg, PA that the family designed, constructed, and maintains as a tribute to their little angel Eric DiLabbio. Donations can be sent to the DiLabbio Family, 48 Hershey Lane, Parkesburg, Pa 19365.