Jerome H. Fillius

Jerome H. Fillius,, (“Phil” and/or “Jake”), of West Deptford, NJ passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 9, 2025.  He was 91.

Phil was one of 13 children born and raised in Mount Holly, NJ where his father started a trucking business called the “Fillius Express”.  Phil began working at a very young age as a busboy at the Medford Lakes Lodge in Medford, NJ, where his sister, Elaine, also worked as a waitress.  He proudly served our Country in the United States Navy for 20 years to a full Honorable retirement as a decorated Korean War Veteran.   During his time in the service, he returned for orders at the PNSY and met the love of his life, the late Mary (Vasta) Fillius, who was employed as a DOD employee and was also a Unites States Navy Veteran.  They were married for almost 60 years prior to her passing.  After retirement from the military, Phil kept himself busy, gaining employment with CCX in Cinnaminson where he oversaw shipping logistics.  In an effort to support his loving family, he returned to working nights and weekends at the Medford Lake Lodge, where he held the titles of bartender and maître.de for years to follow.  In his later years, he continued to work the night shift as the parking lot attendant at the Underwood Hospital.  Phil also served many years as Commander of the VFW, Post 6884 in National Park, NJ.

Most importantly, Phil was a devoted father of Chris (Joanne) and Andre`(Kimberly); loving Grandpop to Angelica Pezzano, Christian Fillius and Gianna Fillius; cherished Great-Grandpop to Michael, Arthur and Brayden.  He is survived by countless extended family members, friends and neighbors which he always held close to his heart.

Phil was a very strong, stern and stubborn man that loved to cook, read his newspapers and always enjoyed a good John Grisham hardback book.  He very much enjoyed sitting in his recliner while watching continuous re-runs of Mash, Blue Bloods and NCIS, while enjoying his ice cream and black licorice.  He continued to care for himself independently by driving himself to breakfast on a daily basis at his favorite breakfast spot – the Piston Diner.  

Phil is predeceased by his wife, Mary, his parents, Harry and Elsie Fillius and 11 siblings.  He will be sadly missed by everyone.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Phil’s visitation on Thursday, July 17, 2025 at the McGuinness Funeral Home – Woodbury, 34 Hunter St., Woodbury, NJ 08096 from 7:00PM until 9:00PM and on Friday, July 18, 2025 from 8:00AM until 9:00AM at the funeral home.  A Funeral Service will be held at the funeral home at 9:00AM with Interment with Military Honors to follow at Gloucester County Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Williamstown, NJ.

In Lieu of flowers, donations can be sent in his memory to the Tunnels to Towers foundation.  t2t.org