Wiiliam “ Willie” Giampalmi

William “Willie” Giampalmi, 93, of Woodlyn, Ridley Township

William “Willie” Giampalmi, 93, long time resident of Ridley Township, died peacefully at home on January 3, 2016.

Willie was born in Chester, PA to the late Joseph and Canella Giampalmi, Italian immigrants from Teramo, Abruzzo, Italy. In 1941 Willie graduated from Chester High School where he excelled in baseball and football, and many years later was inducted into the Chester High and Delco Halls of Fame. After working at Sunship Building and Dry-dock Company in Chester for 3 years as a coppersmith, Willie was drafted into the Navy in 1944. Willie was a World War II veteran serving in the Naval Armed Guard as a gunner on merchant marine ships for roughly three years. His tours of duty included Normandy, France; England; the Philippines; and North Africa on the following Liberty ships: SS John W. Garrett, SS Samuel F. Miller, and SS Edward O’Brien. In 1947 Willie married Ann Mattero and began a career at the Philadelphia Daily News as a delivery truck driver for almost 40 years, and also worked weekends as a doorman at Mattero’s T-Bar. After retiring from the Daily News, Willie worked at Clayton Park Golf Course for 30 years and was an avid football, baseball, basketball, and golf fan his entire life. He was one of the original members of Ridley Sports Club Fitness Center for 31 years and loved going to the gym every day.

Willie was a member of Our Lady of Peace Parish in Milmont Park for over 60 years and was active in the Holy Name Society. He was also a volunteer for Meals-onWheels.

Willie is predeceased by his loving wife, Ann (Mattero) of 61 years and is survived his daughter and sonin-law, Gina and Joe Mesko, of Brookhaven, PA. He is the brother of the late Maria Giampalmi, Helen Ignudo, John Giampalmi, Pete Giampalmi, and Mary Gallo. He is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, and God children.

Visitation: Saturday, January 9, 2016 8:45am – 10:45 am at Our Lady of Peace Church, 300 Milmont Ave., Milmont Park followed by Funeral Mass at 11 a.m. Interment: Ss. Peter and Paul Cemetery, Marple Twp.

Donations can be made in Willie’s memory to Our Lady of Peace Church, 501 Belmont Ave., Milmont Park, PA 19033 or Aide for Liberia, c/o Gina Mesko, 4916 Jackson Drive, Brookhaven, PA 19015.

On line condolences and memories may be placed on www.lyonsfs.com

Arrangements Kevin M. Lyons Funeral Services, Glenolden, PA