Joseph "Pop Pop" or "Smashie" DiStephani Obituary (1939

Joseph E. DiStephani, Jr., Lovingly known as Pop Pop or"Smashie" to family and friends. Passed away on May 1, 2024. Born on March 20,1939 to the late Ernest and Mary DiStephani Sr. and has been a colorful part of the South Philly landscape his whole life. Joe had a heart of gold with a tough exterior which you could easily penetrate once attempted. Joe was the owner and operator of several businesses known as "Smashies Junk Yard" located in Southwest Philadelphia. He was strong willed, a fighter even till the end, business savvy, endurance, and a solid drive to succeed and make a good life for him and those around him. He never stopped working and was always on the go. He liked to dine at the Black Horse Dinner in Jersey and never missed a chance to eat a tasty cake or admire a Cadillac. HIs summers in West Wildwood always made special memories and he enjoyed boating and taking care of the house. He gave his grandaughter the best life and was a father, grandfather and best friend to her. Beloved husband to the late Giovena "Joanna" (nee: Leonetti) DiStephani and Rita DiStephani. Loving father of the late Karen DiStephani and stepfather of Robert (Joanne). Loving Pop Pop of Joanna Weiss and the late Nina Weiss; great grand pop of Giovena, Demetruis "DJ" Jr., Jenea, Robert, Angelina, Chase, Edward "Treay" III, and Bianca. Father-in-law of Demetruis McCullen Sr. and dearest brother-in-law of Amodei Leonetti. Relatives and friends are invited to his visitation Saturday morning from 9-10am at St. Nicholas of Tolentine Church, 910 Watkins St. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10am. Burial will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery. Cemetery Holy Cross Cemetery Yeadon PAUS Visitation for Relatives and friends Saturday, May 11, 2024 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM St.Nicholas Church 1718 S 9th St Philadelphia PA 19148 US (215) 463-1326 Funeral Mass Saturday, May 11, 2024 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM St.Nicholas Church 1718 S 9th St Philadelphia PA 19148 US (215) 463-1326 Funeral Home Murphy Ruffenach Brian W. Donnelly Funeral Home 2239 S 3rd St Philadelphia PA - 19148 US 215-334-1578