DeFILIPPI ERNEST JAMES On April 1, 2014, Ernest James DeFilippi, age 75, of Treasure Island, FL, was peacefully reunited in eternity with his parents, James and Catherine; nephew, Raymond Sipolino; and his beloved dog, Colonel. Ernie was born in West Vandergrift, PA on May 30, 1938, and spent the majority of his life in Westmoreland County. He completed high school at the young age of 16 and entered the Army Reserves after graduation. Ernie had a penchant for writing and worked his way through the ranks to become an executive sports editor at The Pittsburgh Press during some of the greatest years of the Pirates, Steelers and Penguins. During his last years at The Press and after retirement, he was the proprietor of the Oklahoma Inn. He relocated to Florida in 1999. Ernie was a true sports enthusiast who loved animals, cooking and crossword puzzles. He leaves behind his sisters, Margaret Sipolino and Dolores Nasser; his children, Roxane and James; grandchildren, Alex, Taylor and Steven Saenz, his ex-wife, Elaine Mirage; his many nephews and nieces; his loving neighbors, Gino and Kelly Centanni; and his cat, Midnight. A Mass to Celebrate his Life will be held at St. Gertrude's Roman Catholic Church on Saturday, April 12, 2014, at 1:00 p.m., followed by a reception at Anna's Cucina Rustica in West Vandergrift. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Humane Society of Pinellas County, humanesocietyofpinellas.org. Send condolences at post-gazette.com/gb