July 11, 1938 – February 27, 2026
Dennis Filippelli, a devoted educator and psychologist whose life was paved with a commitment to serving those with academic, behavioral, and developmental disabilities, has passed away at the age of 87. He was born July 11, 1938, in Kenosha, WI, the son of the late Frank and Rosina (Salerno) Filippelli. He graduated from Bradford High School in 1956 and proudly served in the U.S. Army National Guard. In August 1964, he married the love of his life, Noreen McIlhone, in Waukesha, WI.
In pursuit of knowledge and improving the lives of others, Dennis earned his Master’s Degree in Education and Psychology from Cardinal Stritch College and continued his post-graduate work at Marquette University, UW-Madison, and the University of Alabama.
For over 20 years, Dennis was the Executive Director of the Developmental Disabilities Service Center in Kenosha, WI. His legacy led him to fill many other roles, including counselor, administrator, and school psychologist. He began his professional journey as an elementary school teacher in the early 1960’s and most recently served as an instructor at Carthage College, where he supervised new teachers.
His advocacy for others extended to public service, including serving on the Governor’s Committee for People with Disabilities with a remarkable 25-year tenure as an appointee to the Wisconsin Council on Developmental Disabilities by four different governors. Dennis was an honoree and past President of numerous organizations, including the Italian Business and Professional Association, the Kenosha County Ice Arena, the Wisconsin Chapter of the American Association of Developmental Disabilities, and the Wisconsin Council on Developmental Disabilities.
His service was recognized with the Kenosha Jaycees Outstanding Young Man of the Year Award and a selection as one of the Outstanding Young Men of America for Community Service. He also served on the Kenosha Public Museum’s Board of Trustees and its Foundation Board of Directors, as well as the Bradford Alumni Association Board of Directors and the Wisconsin and Gateway Associations of School Psychologists.
Despite his devotion to knowledge and community, Dennis always found time to make lasting memories with family and friends. He loved a lively football weekend, listening to crooners and grabbing a coffee at Mac’s Deli with friends. Dennis had a unique way of making others feel special by greeting old and new acquaintances alike with a friendly smile and hearty hello.
One of his greatest achievements and joys in life was building a family with his beloved wife of 61 years, Noreen. He is survived by Noreen; two sons, Mike (Heather) Filippelli of Pewaukee, WI, and Mark (Jasmin) Filippelli of Kenosha, WI; grandchildren Jacob, Rosiline, Josephine, and Estella; sister, Maria (Brian) Young, and sister-in-law, Debbie Filippelli.
In addition to his parents, Dennis was preceded in death by siblings, Francine (James) Larson, Ronald Filippelli, Juliette Filippelli, and two children in infancy, Denise and Martin Filippelli.
Visitation for Dennis will take place from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at Proko Funeral Home. A prayer service will be held at 10:15 a.m. on Friday, March 6, 2026, at Proko Funeral Home with a procession to St. Mary Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will commence at 11:00 a.m., and interment with military honors will follow in St. George Cemetery, Kenosha, WI. In lieu of flowers, those desiring may make contributions to Special Olympics, in his memory, at www.specialolympics.org
