Joseph Michael Filardo

Giuseppe Michael Filardo was born on the Catholic Feast Day of St. Joseph, March 31, 1931 in Catanzaro, Italy. He was the third child born to Francesco and Maria Giuseppina Filardo. From a young age, he became known as “Pino” after an affectionate of his name, Giuseppe or “Joseph” which then became Giuseppino. So many thought of him as Little Joe (Pino). His open arms, expressing deep kindness, brought harmony and reconciliation. He never thought of himself as saint-like, quite the opposite. He did aspire to be like “San Francesco” (St. Francis) to be someone who brought love and peace wherever he went. He loved the 1997 comedy-drama film, Life is Beautiful (La vita è bella) directed and starring Roberto Benigni because it reminded him of how to love during World War 2, which his entire family survived.

Like many Italian youngsters of his era who wished to learn to draw, Pino grew up copying the great masters: Michelangelo, Bernini, Caravaggio—and cartooning, as in Walt Disney. His artistic pursuits were realized when he was accepted, after an examination in architecture, body modeling and watercolor, to study art for three years in Rome at the Accademia di Belle Arti. He graduated from the Accademia di Belle Arti in Naples. Thereafter, he returned to his home in Catanzaro where he taught art privately and was employed by the City of Catanzaro as an artist illustrator and then worked as an insurance salesman. After moving to the United States in 1959, he learned to speak English by watching television and was then employed by several firms to do stock market charting in the New York City area. After a number of years, he returned to work in the Harrisburg area where he did architectural drawing and highway design with Gannett Fleming Engineering and Berger Associates. His last employment was with the PA Department of Environmental Protection where he worked for 23 years prior to his retirement as an Artist Illustrator Supervisor. Having drawn and cartooned all his life, he is known for the “Owl” on Pennsylvania license plates among his family and friends. Almost everyone who became his friend also became part of his very large “framily” or “friends who are like family.”

Cosmopolitan, handsome and looking much younger for his age, he shared his love by drawing and cooking. Renowned for his Italian recipes, he cooked daily—whether in the oven or on the stove or both—bringing delicious aromas (including cappuccino & espresso), delighting anyone who came into his home. He spent time reading, watching soccer games, completing puzzles and playing the organ. A longtime lover of both Italian and American music, his favorite opera from his home country was Puccini’s La Boheme); for his adoptive country, he loved the song, “Make Someone Happy.” It was as much his motto as something to sing along with, imitating both Jimmy Durante and Louie Armstrong.

He revered his parents and liked to quote his mother and father to pass along their wisdom to all who would listen. He is survived by his wife, Janet, of 38 happy years, and deeply loved his stepdaughters, Andrea and “Elisabetta.” He cherished his two grandchildren: James Osborn and Melody Osborn McCarthy and 5 great grandchildren—Elliott and Sullivan Osborn (James & Stacey), and Jonathan, Jacob & Jude (Justin & Melody) McCarthy.

Pino was the 3rd of 8 children. He is survived by Adriana (James) Schimming, Gilda (Thomas) Dexter and Rina Filardo Cheppa. He was preceded in death by his brothers Francis, Salvatore and Mario, and his sister Anna (Renato) Gonnella. Nieces and nephews include: Louise (Kevin) Beer, Ellen Filardo (Doug) Frange, Peter (Kelley) Gonnella, Paula (Don) Damron, Josie (Curtis) Williams and Marco Filardo.

In the quiet dark morning at Harrisburg’s Homeland Center on Monday, November 11th, “the man, the myth, the legend”—who charmed all with his Italian accent and friendly smile—was gone from us, physically, at the age of 93 years.

His love continues on.

On Monday, Nov. 25th, a Memorial Service honoring Pino will be celebrated at the Cremation & Burial Society of Pennsylvania, 4100 Jonestown Rd., Harrisburg, PA 17109. Visitation begins at 11:00 am. A luncheon will be hosted at Carrabba’s Italian Grill, at 5250 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg following the service. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Children’s Cancer Research Fund or to benefit the US Navy’s hospital ships, USNS MERCY or COMFORT.