CRAIG/FLAGLER PALMS FUNERAL HOME
511 Old Kings Road South
Flagler Beach, Florida  

Philip C. DePaul 

Philip Christie DePaul, 92, formerly of Staten Island, New York and Palm Coast, Florida died on Tuesday, July 1, 2014 at Wynwood Assisted Living in Madison, Wisconsin where he lived since September, 2013. 

Phil was born on February 19, 1922 to Christie and Carolina (Quarantiello) DePaola on the lower east side of Manhattan. In 1930 the family moved to Glen Avenue on Staten Island. He attended P.S. 17 and graduated from Curtis High School in 1939 with high honors, from which he was awarded a scholarship to Cornell University in Physics. However, to support his family, he remained on Staten Island, working full time and attending evening classes at the City College of New York, majoring in engineering. Phil joined the U.S. Navy in 1943 and served in the Pacific theater aboard the Attack Cargo Ship, the U.S.S. Chara (AKA-58), on which he was proud to have been a member of her first crew – a "Plank Owner." In his role as a U.S. Navy Machinist Mate aboard the U.S.S. Chara, he attended several Navy technical schools and was promoted to 2nd Class Petty Officer. His ship actively participated in troop landings under fire in the Pacific battles of Leyte Gulf, Luzon (Lingayen Gulf) and Okinawa Gunto. Phil sometimes described his Navy experiences as an ammunition loader in the 5-inch gun, including kamikaze attacks and the enormous U.S. Naval fleet at the battle of Leyte Gulf, the largest naval battle in WWII. He also soberly recounted, "I saw a lot of men die." 

On November 17, 1946, Phil wedded the love of his life, Edith Leggiadro, a marriage blessed with three children. He raised his family in New Dorp, Staten Island. After the war, Phil embarked on a successful career as a detail-oriented machinist, engineer and manufacturing manager, work that several times took him to the United Kingdom and Switzerland for training and product installation. His early professional work was at SS White on Staten Island. He retired in 1983 as the engineering manager at Pennwalt Corporation in Piscataway, New Jersey. In 1985 he and Edith retired to Palm Coast, Florida. Phil's outgoing personality and organizational competence was recognized in his roles with a number of organizations. He was a Free Mason, following in his father's footsteps, serving as president of LaGuardia Lodge and in 1973 as District Deputy Grand Master of the Richmond Masonic District. He was a 32nd degree Mason of the New York City Consistory, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry and a member of Mecca Temple Order of Shriners. He served as president of the Staten Island Shrine Club, and secretary and president of the LaGuardia Square Club. He also was a member of the Richmond Masonic Association, The Richmond Forest, Tall Cedars of Lebanon, The Royal Order of Jesters of New York, court No. 30 and a trustee of LaGuardia Lodge. Phil also served as an elder and lector in the Staten Island Moravian Church and as president of the Italian-American Social Club in Palm Coast, Florida 

In 1987, Phil joined the northeastern Florida U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary (Flotilla 14-3, District 7), and was soon appointed as Flotilla Staff Officer for Materials. In 1989 he became the Flotilla Operations Officer, a position he held for 16 years. In 1995 he became the Flotilla Staff Officer for Publications, editing the Flotilla newsletter until 2007, when he retired from active Coast Guard Auxiliary service. 

Philip was predeceased by his loving wife Edith in 2011. He is survived by his son Chris (Pat) of Palm Coast, Florida, daughter Roxanne (James) of Madison, Wisconsin, son Rodney (Donna) of Staten Island, New York, his brother Dominic (Hazel) of Palm Coast, Florida, and his sister Gloria Scaglione of Staten Island. He has six grandchildren, including Mark (Brandy), MP, William (Colleen), Elizabeth, Philip (Janine) and Kristen. 

Cremation will be followed by entombment at Craig Flagler Palms Memorial Gardens in Flagler Beach, Florida. A ceremonial burial at sea with full military honors will be conducted by the U.S. Coast Auxiliary.  

The DePaul family wishes to express gratitude to the compassionate staff and many friends Phil made over the last year at Wynwood Assisted Living. The family also is appreciative of the excellent care from the Agrace HospiceCare team.