DURHAM, N.C. – Philip Anthony Marino DeStefano Jr., 49, died in Durham, N.C., on Dec. 9, at 12:09 p.m., from battling cancer with his loving brother and dear longtime friend by his side.

He was born on March 16, 1955, in Endicott, N.Y., and was a beloved son to the late Ann DiBenedetto DeStefano, who died Oct. 15, 1969, and the late Philip Anthony DeStefano Sr., who died on Feb. 19, 2001.

His loyalty to loved ones, warmth, generous spirit, zest for life and immense wit endeared him to his friends and family.

As a child, he enjoyed swimming, playing football and loved spending time with his grandmother, Theresa DeStefano, who died in summer of 2004.

He later moved to Maine with his family and attended both Lewiston and Edward Little High Schools. There he was a talented athlete.

For a short time, he attended Dean Jr. College in Franklin, Mass.

Maine, he felt, was always his home no matter where he lived during his outrageous and crazy years; he always lived life, HIS WAY. His happiest years were spent in Old Orchard Beach. He absolutely loved being around the ocean. He also loved woman, cars, chocolate, bugs bunny, and especially socializing with his friends, not necessary in this order.

Philip’s dedication to his family was immeasurable. His family and friends could always count on him to be there and when he loved, he loved deeply. He will be remembered as one of the funniest and spirited individuals who touched the lives of all whom knew him. He will be sincerely missed by many.“YaaaSome bunny loves you!”

He is survived by his stepmother, Linda Mathews DeStefano; his sisters, Patricia Warner and family, and Angela DeStefano; his loving brother, Anthony DeStefano and wife Isabel and their family; his stepbrother and sister, Mark Webster and Kim Beaudin; his family members in Endicott, N.Y.; and many friends who loved him from Utah to Maine.

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