Filadelfio “Phil” Monaco
January 27, 1945 – October 16, 2023
Filadelfio “Phil” Monaco went to the Lord on October 16, 2023. He was preceded in death by parents, Angelo and Rosary “Sarah” Monaco.
Phil was a long-term resident of Quality Living Inc., where he enjoyed over 15 years of independent living, assisted by loving staff members and good friends; especially his cousin, Anna Marie Monaco.
He will be missed by good friend and advocate, Kathy Miklas, and many close relatives, too numerous to mention.
Phil is survived by cousins, Robert, and Margaret Monaco.
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Phil (Filadelfio) Monaco Life Story
(Based on conversation between Phil and Kathy Miklas in February, 2020)
I was born on January 27, 1945 at St. Joseph Hospital in Omaha, NE.
The doctor thought I would die soon, so he (a Catholic) baptized me. Then I was baptized at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Omaha. I lived in a 4 Plex in Little Italy for 50 years. My dad died when I was 16 years old. I helped my mom by cleaning the house and drying the dishes. I helped take care of mom when she was older.
I attended school at J.P. Lord, at St. Philomena Catholic School (now All Saints Catholic School at St. Frances Cabrini Parish) and Tech High School. When I was at St. Philomena School, I walked up and down the stairs every day. I attended one semester of college at what used to be Omaha University, now the University of Nebraska Omaha.
I received Confirmation, First Communion, and First Confession at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church.
When I was old enough, I worked at the Jewish Community Center (JCC), checking memberships, and renting towels. I also worked at Douglas County Hospital in the Housekeeping Department on weekends. I also worked at Lutheran Hospital, cleaning restrooms and vacuuming. For fun I participated in a bowling league.
My mom and I moved from the 4 Plex to a new, accessible apartment complex that Quality Living (QLI) had built on 90th and Boyd Street. My friend, Cathy Delihant, and I would go to Bag ‘N Save every week to get groceries. After my mom broke her arm, she went to live in a nursing home, and I moved to QLI Assisted Living. QLI was the best thing that ever happened to me!
At QLI, I participated in: Sign Language Club, Faith Community (Mass and Faith-Sharing), fishing, and “drive-arounds” though different parts of Omaha.
I enjoy reading books on history, watching old movies, participating in Catholic Mass at QLI and at Sacred Heart Church, attending Creighton Bluejay basketball games, watching football games, and reading the newspaper.
My proudest accomplishments are: trying to be nice to people, enjoying being with people, running the overhead projector, when we used that, for Catholic Mass at QLI.
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VISITATION: Monday, October 23, 2023, 6-7 p.m. at the West Center Chapel, followed by a VIGIL SERVICE: at 7 p.m. MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Tuesday, October 24, 2023, 10 a.m., St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church, 1335 S. 10th St. Private Family Interment. To view a live broadcast of the service, please go to www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “Live Cast” button at the top of the home page.
7 Comments
It broke my heart when Angela called to tell me. He was such a sweet man and a truly kind soul. I looked up to him in so many ways. He was always so fun to go on trips with. He and Jeffrey (II) and I were talking about going back to Chicago again sometime. We had such a fun road trip the first time we went. And Disney, and Alaska – he was a hit with the ladies on the dance floor. So much fun, so much to remember!
– Jeffrey Hildenbrandt
Our dear sweet cousin we will miss you. You were an inspiration to all the family and friends that knew you. Now you are in heaven with your mom and dad and sister Carmie. We remember so many family times growing up and so many family dinners.
Carmen Monaco Messineo and Chris Monaco Corbit and families
I was so sorry to hear about Phil’s passing. I remember when he asked me to take him to see the Radio City Rockettes! That was a fun night many years ago. He also took part in anything that QLI did with Opera Omaha, and no matter who was here from the Opera, Phil could answer any questions about Opera! He is joy and I hope he is getting fitted for his Angel Wings and then flying high and joyfully. Prayers for him and the family,
Mary Sheldrick
Phil was the sweetest gentleman; I oftentimes sat with him during Mass at Sacred Heart Church. I dearly missed him when he was unable to attend anymore. I am hard of hearing with our interpreter, Julie Delkamiller. Phil enjoyed watching her interpret the Mass. Phil was truly inspiring when he started signing ‘Alleluia’ bringing tears in our eyes.. My brother had cerebral palsy, and that connected me with Phil. Now, my brother has a new brother in Heaven. Phil, thank you for teaching our hearts, and we will dearly miss you.
I am so sorry to hear of Phil’s passing. We moved in next door to Phil & Sarah 43 years ago. He was like a brother to me. I took him to the store every week for many years. I ran him to Drs too until my health caused me to be unable to handle him any more. I didn’t know of his passing to attend visitation. I williss you very much Phil. Kathy Delehant
We moved in next door to Phil &him Mom Sarah 43 years ago. Phil was like a brother to me. I ran Phil & his mom to the store every week for a lot of years. I ran him to Drs appointments too until because of my disability I was no longer able to run Phil. I will really miss you Phil. Love, Kathy Delehant
So sorry to hear of Phil’s passing. My family knew Phil and his parents from living in a 4-plex on 9th Street that my nanu, Ross Bellinghiere, owned. We were there from the late 50s until the early 60s. Phis was a sweet man and a good son. God Bless.
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