Emanuel Joseph Defiglio

Emanuel Joseph DeFiglio, 87 of West Harrison, IN, formerly of Chicago, IL passed away Saturday, April 9, 2016 at Mercy West in Cincinnati, OH.

Joe led a varied and productive life marked by love for his family, a keen sense of humor, and an extremely generous nature. A native of Chicago, Illinois and the second son of modest Sicilian immigrants (Peter and Jenny), he was born March 8, 1929. Joe served honorably in the Korean War from 1951-1952 reaching the rank of Staff Sergeant. He started his career with the Florsheim Shoe Company after graduating with a degree from the Industrial Engineering College of Chicago in 1955.

Joe later accepted a management position with U.S. Shoe corporation of Cincinnati, Ohio which culminated with his being named as Vice-President of that company and a reputation as one of the distribution industry’s leading innovators in shipping technology. Joe’s other significant business career accomplishments include consulting on the designing and construction of distribution centers in the United States and internationally in addition to the founding of multiple successful businesses in his later years.

He took great interest and joy in the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren while persistently encouraging and supporting them in their individual career, sports, and academic goals. Joe has recently enjoyed watching his granddaughter Alyssa’s tennis matches as a player for Thomas More College and listened to his grandson Paul’s music concerts at coliseum sized venues and in front of national television audiences. He was also very proud of his two other grandchildren who are both excelling in their academic pursuits at Appalachian State University (Chris) and Grimsley High School (Alex) in North Carolina. He was in many ways responsible for both his son’s having thrived in their respective careers as an electrical contractor (Steve) and music instructor/bassist (Jamie). Joe was equally encouraging and provided valuable advice when either experienced successes or setbacks over time.

Joe was an avid follower of sports including baseball, football, golf and tennis, watching many events in person at the high school, college, and professional level. He had a particular interest in the prospects of the Chicago Cubs (whose last appearance in the World Series he attended) and Chicago Bears whom he rooted for loyally regardless of the quality of the teams or any single game’s outcome. He transferred that loyalty to his children and grandchildren. Joe played baseball, football, and was a member of the Welles High School (Chicago) swimming team in his youth. Joe also loved travelling, taking his grandchildren to the zoo, and reading history during his leisure time. He’ll be sorely missed by his family and friends.

He is survived by his sons Steven DeFiglio (Teresa Tso-DeFiglio) of West Harrison and James Allen DeFiglio (Toni) of Greensboro, NC along with his grandchildren Alyssandra Janine DeFiglio and Paul Joseph, Christopher James and Steven Alexander DeFiglio; and brother Samuel DeFiglio of Chicago.

Visitation 9-10am, Saturday, April 16, 2016 followed by 10am funeral services all at Jackman Kercheval Meyers Funeral Home. Burial to follow in Rest Haven Memorial Park, Blue Ash, OH.

Memorials may be given to Wounded Warrior Project.