Obituary of Philip J. Del Giudice

Philip J. Del Giudice, a longtime Morristown resident, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 23, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of family devotion, service and community leadership.

Born on January 4, 1945, he was the beloved son of the late Jack and Emily Del Giudice and was raised in Madison, NJ.

He graduated from Madison High School, where he distinguished himself as a talented athlete and member of the drum and bugle corps. He earned a football scholarship to continue his education at East Tennessee State University, earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees in health education. Phillip was a proud member of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity and the on-campus Kiwanis Club.

Following graduation, Philip worked for the Madison Health Department and later the State Health Department, where he helped establish the statewide 911 emergency response system. In 1979, he assumed ownership of the family business, Dels’ Novelty Co. Founded by his father and uncle in the late 1940s, Del’s prospered as one of Morristown’s oldest businesses and a local institution that delighted customers with its unique inventory of costumes, balloons, and party supplies. Philip co-managed the business with his devoted wife of 47 years, Kathleen.

Philip was a founding member of the Morristown Partnership, a nonprofit organization designed to revitalize the downtown business district. He served as Chairman for over twenty years and helped Morristown evolve into a destination community. Philip was front and center as a leader at many of Morristown’s signature moments: The Fall Festival, Christmas on the Green, the beautification of parks, and the preservation of historic sites.

Philip was also an avid golfer, loved spending time at the beach, and treasured every moment with his grandchildren. He cherished his Italian American heritage, participating in UNICO and cooking traditional Italian meals for family and friends.

Philip will be remembered for his unwavering principles, leadership, and love for his family and community.

Philip is survived by his wife, Kathleen; his son, Matthew, and his wife, Marina; his son, Daniel, and his wife, Katy; his sister, Maria; his sister, Marguerite and her husband, Doran; and his grandchildren, Scarlett, Vivienne, Penelope, Daniel, and Julian. He also leaves behind many loving nephews, cousins, friends, and extended family members.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation for Philip on Friday, February 27, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Madison Memorial Home, 159 Main Street, Madison.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 9:30 a.m. at St. Vincent Martyr Church, 26 Green Village Road, Madison. For those who are unable to attend the mass in person, please visit www.svmnj.org/livestream-mass

Interment will follow at St. Vincent’s Cemetery, Madison.

In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions may be made in Philip’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.