Philip F. DeLorenzo

Philip F. DeLorenzo of Piermont, N.Y., and Blauvelt, N.Y., passed away peacefully on March 7, 2017, at 93. A lifelong resident of Rockland County, Philip was born on Feb. 3, 1924, in Piermont.
In December 1942, Mr. DeLorenzo enlisted in the Coast Guard during World War II and was subsequently recruited to become a volunteer fireman with the Piermont Volunteer Fire Department. During his long career with the fire department, he was appointed acting chief in 1959 and was elected chief in 1960. He was instrumental in organizing Piermont’s Underwater Rescue Team and was one of the original divers. Mr. DeLorenzo held many leadership positions with volunteer fire associations both in New York and in New Jersey. He was a graduate of the National Fire Academy and holds a certificate in public safety from Mercy College. In 2009, Phil was chosen as FASNY 2009 Volunteer Fire Fighter of the Year. He was also an instructor at the Rockland County Fire Training Center and an avid volunteer with the Orangetown Museum and the Piermont Historical Society.
Until recently, Mr. DeLorenzo continued to work part-time at the Rockland Cemetery, acting as treasurer and board member. Last year, he was honored to join one of the many Honor Flights to Washington D.C., as a veteran of World War II in the U.S. Coast Guard.
Philip is pre-deceased by his first wife, Rachel DeMaio, and is survived by his loving wife, Dolores DeLorenzo. He leaves behind his children, Phyllis Piesco (Anthony), Philip DeLorenzo Jr. (Margaret) and Susan DeLorenzo. Philip is also survived by his stepchildren, Mary Happ (Charles), Barbara Salmon (George), Jeanne Goldrick (Kevin) and Matthew Richards. He leaves behind his sister, Ann Melia (Kenneth), many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Phil was also predeceased by seven brothers and sisters: Vincent, Vera, Frank, Sal, Betty, Ralph and Grace.