Frances “Fran” K. DiPhilippo

PORTLAND – Frances “Fran” K. DiPhilippo passed away on Nov. 4, 2023 at the age of 86.

She was born on March 8, 1937 in Scranton, Pa., the daughter of Kathryn and Harry Haren. She passed away peacefully surrounded by her family at Fallbrook Woods, where she received loving care from the staff and her daughter, Catherine.

Frances graduated from Portland High School in 1955. She met her soon to be husband, Sabato “Sam” DiPhilippo, at the wedding of Don and Marie Tinkham, and the rest was history. Fran and Sam had four children, Michael A. DiPhilippo, Gerald R. DiPhilippo, Samuel S. DiPhilippo, Catherine A. O’Donnell. After raising her children, Frances could be found working in the Deering High School lunchroom or at their family-owned restaurant, The Rustic, that many Portland locals would frequent for a great time with some amazing food! She often spent time watching some of her 10 grandchildren when they came into the world.

One of Fran’s passions in life was cooking, especially on the holidays! Many of the memories her family and friends will carry with them are moments that were shared with her in her kitchen, whether she was making a “Sunday Sauce”, or a quick sandwich for one of her grandchildren. One would consider themselves lucky if they were able to be a part of the DiPhilippo family holidays because of the delicious food she would pile high on our plates, and continue to pile on if there were any bare spots or expressions of being “full”.

We are at peace knowing that Fran is reuniting with her one true love, Sam Diphilippo; her beloved sister, Judith Maliska; her parents, Kathryn and Harry Haren; and her grandchild, Zachary DiPhilippo.

Fran is survived by her four children, Michael DiPhilippo, Gerald DiPhilippo, Samuel DiPhilippo, and Catherine O’Donnell; five daughters-in-law, Lisa DiPhilippo, Deb DiPhilippo, Angela DiPhilippo, Traci DiPhilippo, and Susan DuPlessis, son-in-law, Jack O’Donnell; nine grandchildren, Anthony and his wife Amber, Gabrielle, Olivia, Emma, Nicholas, Grace and Sophia DiPhilippo and Mackenzie and John O’Donnell; two great-grandchildren, Everly and Reese DiPhilippo; brother-in-law, Leo Maliska; niece, Teresa Duggan and her family; and nephew, Konrad Maliska and his family.

Although Fran is not here physically anymore, she will always be with us. We will always remember her spunk, her smile, her encouragement, and her love. Thank you, Wife, Mom, Grammy, and Auntie, for everything you’ve done for us.

Visitation will take place at A.T. Hutchins Funeral Home, 660 Brighton Ave. on Friday Nov. 17 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated 10 a.m. Saturday Nov. 18 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, 72 Federal St. Burial will follow in New Calvary Cemetery in South Portland; A private family gathering will follow.

To share memories of Fran or to leave the family an online condolence, please visit http://www.athutchins.com.