Philip James Didona, age 61, passed away on November 20, 2023 at the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center during a procedure on his heart.

Philip was born on October 10, 1962 to Jean and Margaret Didona and five loving siblings. He grew up in Collinwood and attended Catholic School as well as public schools prior to joining the United States Marine Corps. Being a Marine was a large point of pride for Philip and he viewed it as one of his greatest achievements. He served his country faithfully and was honorably discharged as a Lance Corporal and general electrician. He moved to Chicago in the 1980's in search of a life for himself. He met Shirley Birden in 1988 and they fell in love quickly. They started a family with Philip Jean being born in 1990 and Patrick James following closely behind in 1991.

Philip and Shirley were together for almost 20 years and were married when Shirley died in 2007. Philip has been on disability for some time but had supported his family as a laborer and plumber for many years.

Philip was an avid collector, enjoyed doing things with his hands, and filling his mind with information through reading and watching documentaries. Philip collected 'Hot Wheels' toy cars, other toys and memorabilia, matchbooks, and other things. He enjoyed categorizing and organizing his possessions and had a natural eye for curation. He also enjoyed crafts deeply. He was always making a model car, a VA craft kit, or folding a paper crane or other origami. He was an avid reader and had a voracious appetite for watching documentaries. He would regale his family and friends with information he had learned in frequent texts and phone calls when he was in good spirits.

Philip had been working in recent years to overcome health challenges that developed as he aged. Philip was a lifelong smoker. He was often spotted at the entrance or exit, on the front porch, or the periphery smoking a cigarette always ready for a chat.

Philip's most prominent qualities were his kindness and sense of humor. Life could be hard on Philip but even in his last days, reports were always positive from those who cared for him. His nurses would share little quips that he made and there were few he could not make grin, smile, or laugh. Philip was also just nice. He liked to chat with people about nothing at all, just wanted to be happy most days, and share his positive spirit with others.

Philip was preceded in death by his loving wife Shirley, brother Eugene, sister in law Paula, and brother in law John who were all very dear to him. Philip is survived by his loving children Patrick James Birden - Didona and Philip Jean Birden - Didona; his treasured grandchildren Lissette Aliyah Abraham, Jonathan Mitchell Abraham, Penelope Marie Didona, Phoenix Jeremiah Didona, and Phoebe Jade Didona; he is also survived by his siblings Frances, Richard, Charles, and Christina.