William J. Fili, born 12/17/1923, 95 years old, passed away at home on 9/22/19, after fighting valiantly for months to make triple digits.

Bill was predeceased by his first wife, Regina (McGettigan) Fili who was the mother of his two children, Carolyn and William, Jr.; his second wife, Lillian Love Fili; his parents, Carl and Margaret Fili, brothers John Fili and Carl L. Fili, Jr. and his sister Marie Todor.

He is survived by his sisters, Peggy Yates of East Orange, New Jersey and Dorothy Stokes who resides in California; his son William Jr., his daughter, Carolyn Bratton (Alan) and his only grandson, Justin Bratton, of whom he was so very proud - and many nieces and nephews.

Bill was known and loved by many across the globe, including not only people from all over the good old USA, but folks in Manduria, Italy and Bucharest in Romania. Bill grew up in the Fishtown section of Philadelphia. Throughout the years, whenever he was asked his name, he was "Billy Fili from Philly". After the attack on Pearl Harbor, Bill enlisted in the Army Air Corps where he eventually trained and flew 34 combat missions in Europe before being shot down over the Ploiesti oil refineries in Romania on April 24, 1944. He found himself a prisoner-of-war, but unlike many who didn't make it home, he and many others were rescued on September 1, 1944, by a man named Hank - to whom Bill was never formally introduced until one day about four years ago when the two met at the WWII Reading AirShow. Bill has been attending and speaking about his wartime experience, as well as his pursuit of peace, at the Reading Airshow for almost 30 years - this is the first year he wasn't able to attend. Bill told his family this year was going to be his 'farewell speech'. After the war, Bill stayed in the Army reserves and was recalled for the Korean conflict as a flight engineer. Upon his discharge, he became a commercial pilot and flight instructor and founded a manufacturing business. After 25 years in his pneumatic tube business, he retired, then decided he wasn't going to sit around idly.

Bill drove a school bus for the next 16 years. At 80 years old, Bill officially became a "UFO" – United Flying Octogenarian - and he soloed in a brand new Cessna 172. His love, pride and service to our United States of America was infinite, as was his love of family. He made his sacrifices to allow us the freedoms that we are able to enjoy here in our country today. He died in his home in West Grove, PA, where he was able to look out his kitchen window and watch horses running free in the field. His cat Bridi will be lost without him, but his family will be sure to shower her with much love and affection in his absence.

Bill's story of his war experience is captured in his book "Passage to Valhalla II" and recorded in the Library of Congress. Bill built a replica of the plane he was downed in, Destiny Deb, which can be seen at the museum in the New Garden Airport, Toughkenamon, PA, where his story will be kept in perpetuity. Bill was a true patriot and American Hero and was loved by many.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, September 26th, at St. Mary Magdalen Church, 2400 N. Providence Rd. Media, PA at 11:00 a.m. Friends and family may call at the church from 9:30 - 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Disabled American Veterans at www.dav.org .

Arrangements: Rigby Harting & Hagan Funeral Home
15 E. Fourth St.
Media, PA 19063
www.haganfuneralhome.com