Anthony J. DeCecco Sr

Anthony John DeCecco, Sr, age 84, died on April 14th, 2019 surrounded by his family. He is survived by his sons Anthony, Jr,(Betsy), Alexander, Alan, and Adam(Jennifer), grandchildren Adam, Jr, Alec, Alan, Jr, Patrick, Lucien, and Isabel; sisters Marie, Rita, Delores, and Jeannie, brothers Phillip, James (2011), and Ronnie and numerous nieces and nephews.

He grew up in South Philadelphia and attended Southeast Catholic High School where he lettered in Football. He went on to graduate LaSalle University, working his way through school as a butcher with his dad Florio at the famous 9th street Italian Market.

He married the love of his life, Kathleen Jessica Giordano in 1959 and went to work at RCA with his father-in-law, Alexander Giordano. As an electrical engineer he moved on to General Electric to work in the Space Program but soon grew tired of being in the lab. In 1970, Anthony took a job with Matthey Bishop, a precious metal company just getting into manufacturing catalytic converters. He built the first catalytic converter in North America and went on to become Plant Manager. The company, based in Malvern, PA, changed its name to Johnson Matthey and Anthony won the only labor/management award in company history. In 1990, Anthony was diagnosed with non- hodgkin’s lymphoma. He would routinely receive treatment on Friday and be back at work on Monday morning, credited with saving hundreds of production line jobs. Anthony and Kathleen continued to travel the world visiting countries like Sweden and Australia as he moved into a consulting career. They became avid ballroom dancers and spent a generous amount of time with their grandchildren.

After Kathleen died in 2010, Anthony became even closer to his four sons. His philosophy on life and raising children was decades ahead of its time... as we approach 2020, parents are finally being encouraged to allow children to live their own lives. One of his favorite quotes is from the Prophet by Khalil Gibran: “Your children are not your children, they are sons and daughters of Life’s longing for itself.”

Anthony had many philosophies on life and was a master story-teller. “Play the hand you’re dealt” and “As long as you are happy” we’re two of his favorite themes. If you came to him for advice he always had a story... “that reminds me of the time your Mother”, or “well, in the meat market...” and “one time at Johnson Matthey”. He always put his wife and children first and was available at the drop of a hat to talk about life. He had a major influence on numerous people outside his family circle, often counseling and mentoring adults and children alike!

He was a fan of Frank Sinatra and Jackie Gleason’s “the Honeymooners”. “Summer Wind” was one of his favorite songs and “The Mamba” was a favorite Honeymooners episode.

Anthony, as a rule, always saw the best in people, and people, in turn, rose to the occasion. Without exception,he made everyone around him better!

Dad, you’re the Greatest!

His Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Monday April 22, 2019 at Our Lady of the Rosary Church, 80 S. 17th Ave., Coatesville, PA 19320 where family and friends may visit from 8:45 to 10:15 AM

Interment Pvt.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Anthony J. DeCecco Sr, please visit our Tree Store.