Philip F. Dinicola

Philip F. DiNicola

Philip F. DiNicola, age 75, passed away on Saturday, April 16, 2022 at Saint Vincent Hospital after a courageous battle with lung cancer. He was born in Erie on July 7, 1946, a son of the late John M. and Anna L. Bellucci DiNicola.

He attended Columbus School, Irving School, Roosevelt Jr. High School and was a graduate of Strong Vincent High School, Class of 1964. He was a Vietnam War Veteran having served honorably in the U.S. Air Force in Vietnam during the Tet Offensive of 1968.

Philip was a manager in the PA State Liquor Stores for over ten years. He moved to Las Vegas and worked as a Blackjack Dealer before being promoted to Shift Boss. Philip lived in Las Vegas for three years before returning to Erie, where he shared in two local business ventures. He also worked as an office manager for over 15 years in the food service industry before retiring.

He was an avid fan of all sports especially the New York Yankees and the Detroit Lions. Philip was a member of Saint Paul's Catholic Church, where he received his First Holy Communion and Confirmation. He was a proud member of the Sons of Little Italy as well as "Columbus U", which was a group of guys who would meet at Columbus Park.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, John M. DiNicola, Jr.; and his cousin, John Walton. He was also preceded in death by his beloved Yellow Labrador Retriever, Luca, who he referred to as his "son".

He is survived by cousins, Marcia Meyer Briggs (David), Janice Meyer Walton, and David Zero. He is also survived by his lifelong friends, Richard Maggio, Olino Portanova, and Gary Valerio.

Friends are invited to call on Friday at the John R. Orlando Funeral Home, Inc., 2122 Raspberry Street, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and are invited to a service there on Saturday at 9:30 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass at Saint Paul R.C. Church, 1617 Walnut Street, at 10 a.m. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Erie Humane Society (www.eriehumanesociety.org/donate) or the American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org).

Philip's family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Physicians and Staff at the Saint Vincent Hospital ICU for the wonderful care they provided.