Stephen M. DeFilippo Jr. of Saratoga Springs passed away after a brief stay at The Daughters of Sarah Nursing Home on November 2, 2026 after a more than thirteen year struggle with a rare neurological disease, Multiple System Atrophy. Steve is survived by his devoted wife, Jo-Ellen (Bovitz) of 36 years and his cherished son, Matthew DeFilippo.

Stephen was born on May 15, 1958, the son of Stephen DeFilippo Sr. and Sara (Rizzo) DeFilippo. Growing up in Albany, Steve was known around the neighborhoods for his gregarious personality and aptitude for sports. He was always ready to pick up a game in basketball or football while finally settling on football. His quick wit, wry smile, and attention to detail will never be forgotten.

Steve was a graduate and member of the football team at both CBA and Ithaca College. His team won both the Championships for his Division in High School and the National Championship at Ithaca College in 1979.

After graduation, Steve began his career in sales at XEROX Corporation, where he was a top producer and won many trips including his favorite to Hawaii. Steve moved on to the telecom industry and before retiring on disability in 2015, he worked in commercial insurance at Marshall and Sterling in Glenmont. Besides his day job, Steve also dabbled in real estate throughout the years.

Stephen’s immediate family was the focal point of his life. Above all, Matthew’s sports activities were his favorite pastimes. Stephen was a creature of habit and enjoyed annual family vacations to Cape Cod, trips to Boston and NYC. Before his disability cut short his ability to take long trips, Stephen welcomed traveling to Europe.

Stephen was an avid sports fan of the Patriots and Yankees either attending games in person or watching them on television. He was especially fond of theater, concerts and traveling to NYC for musicals. Even when he struggled to walk, Stephen still managed to attend local productions.

In addition to Jo-Ellen and Matthew, Stephen is survived by his mother Sara DeFilippo; his brother John; sister Suzanne (Russell) Houle; nieces Gabriella and Gianna Houle; maternal Uncle Nicholas Rizzo and his cousin Mary Marchio.

He was predeceased by his father Stephen DeFilippo Sr.; and his maternal grandmother Grace Rizzo, whom he will always hold a special place in his heart for her fantastic meals.

Many thanks to Kelly Regals/Ivy Lanza during our earlier challenges and most of all, our friends, neighbors, EMT, and strangers who were always willing to lend a hand when needed. Your gratuitous acts of kindness will never be forgotten as well as the enduring friendship of Chuck Cassaro and Bill Bergan.

Relatives and friends may call from 1 to 3pm, Sunday, November 8, 2026 at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 (518-584-5373), a funeral home service will take place at 2:30pm.

Close friends and relatives are invited to the entombment at 11am on Monday, November 9 at St. Agnes Mausoleum in Menands.

Donations may be made in Stephen’s name to Mission MSA (missionmsa.org or Mission MSA, PO Box 735039, Chicago, Il, 60673).

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com