Obituary of Philip V. Del Negro, Jr.
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Philip V. Del Negro, Jr., a cherished son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend. Born in Summit, NJ, to his loving parents, Philip and Lucille Del Negro, Philip was a beacon of light and laughter from the very beginning. He took so many amazing qualities from his parents, including having a Heart of Gold; a tough guy on the outside but always coming to the rescue by helping everyone with anything they needed. Philip’s journey took him to many towns in New Jersey, leading him back to Martinsville for the last 15 years of his life.
Raised in Scotch Plains and Bridgewater, New Jersey, Philip's early years were marked by a deep sense of community and an unwavering commitment to his family's values. He was a proud graduate of Bridgewater East High School, where he not only excelled academically but also left a lasting mark as a freshman on the football varsity team, leading to state championships in his junior and senior years. He spent his summers at the family Long Beach Island and Poconos homes where he enjoyed boating, skiing, horseback riding, swimming and so many fun times with family and friends.
After graduation, Philip honed his skills and unwavering work ethic under the tutelage of his father, a master craftsman plumber and real estate investor, working side by side in his father’s construction companies. He excelled quickly in learning these trades, obtaining his license, teaching others how to do things the right way, and earning accolades from anyone who inspected the high quality of his work. His entrepreneurial spirit soon led him to venture on his own, founding 1-800-HEATERS/Only Water Heaters, securing exclusive contracts with PSE&G and Home Depot, and eventually starting Delbula Plumbing and Heating. His work was not just a profession but a passion, embodying the ethos of a fair businessman and a community helper.
Philip's presence was larger than life. He was the very essence of joy and generosity, always the center of attention, not for the sake of the spotlight but because of the warmth and love he radiated. Described affectionately as having a youthful spirit, he carried an infectious enthusiasm for life that drew people to him. His love for water adventures at Long Beach Island or Manasquan, where he spent every summer from his teenage years into young adulthood with all of his friends having amazing adventures, is fondly remembered. He reveled in boating, jet skiing, and wakeboarding with his group of cherished friends. His friends meant the world to him, he would do anything for them, and he enjoyed all of their entertaining adventures together. Additionally, Philip had a deep affection for animals, always ready to assist a friend by caring for their pets during their absence.
Above all, Philip cherished his role as an uncle to his nephew, RJ, and his niece, Alexandra. A kid at heart, he spent time playing with them, showing them to think out of the box by fixing things in creative ways, and teaching them how to live life to the fullest. He showed his deep love for them by always giving them elaborate gifts and fun adventures they shared together. His family and extended family of friends were one of his greatest joys, and he poured his heart and soul into nurturing and supporting them.
Philip was a communicant of Saint Bartholomew Roman Catholic Church in Scotch Plains, Immaculate Conception Church in Somerville, and Blessed Sacrament Church in Martinsville. His faith was a cornerstone of his life, guiding his actions and his unwavering commitment to helping others.
Philip leaves behind a legacy of love and kindness. He is pre-deceased by his Grandparents, Rosina and Vincent, and Angelina and Felix.
He is survived by his loving parents, Philip and Lucille Del Negro; his sister, who will carry out his legacy, Dawn Delnegro-Cebula and her husband/his dear friend, Richard; his cherished nephew, RJ, and niece, Alexandra, whom he loved dearly spending any free time with them; his Godmother Debbie, Aunts, Uncles and Cousins in the United States and in Italy; his beautiful Goddaughter, Kaylee, whom he loved dearly and enjoyed watching her grow into an amazing young woman; a circle of friends who were more like brothers to him: Petie, Steve, Peter, Dennis, Lou, Tom, John, Phil, Rob, and Mike, among the so many friends he cherished. His legacy of love, kindness, and unwavering support lives on through them and the many lives he touched.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, from 4 to 8 PM at Higgins Home For Funerals, 752 Mountain Blvd., Watchung, NJ. A funeral mass will be held on Thursday, February 22, 2024, at 10 AM at Blessed Sacrament Church, 1890 Washington Valley Rd., Martinsville, NJ. Entombment will follow at Somerset Hills Memorial Park, 95 Mount Airy Rd., Basking Ridge, NJ.
Repass will be held on Thursday, February 22, 2024, around 12:15 PM at Sally G’s, 169 Washington Valley Rd, Warren, NJ.
Memorial donations may be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10306, a cause close to Philip's heart.
Memorial services will be held to honor him and celebrate his life by his family in Italy.
Philip's departure leaves a void in the hearts of many, but his spirit, love, and laughter will forever remain. As we remember Philip, let us celebrate his life, cherish his memory, and strive to embody the kindness and generosity he showed to all.
