Col. Louis Datillo, USMC Retired – 87, of Beverly and formerly of North Reading, died Tuesday, October 15, 2019 at the Masconomet Healthcare Center in Topsfield. He was the beloved husband of 62 years to the late Laura M. (Turcotte) Datillo.
Born in Beverly, MA on July 8, 1932. He was the son of the late Kenneth “Red” and Mary Datillo. Lou was raised and attended school in Beverly and was a graduate of Beverly High School, Class of 1950 and a graduate of Boston University, Class of 1954.
He was a proud U.S. Marine Corp’s Veteran of the Korean War, he served from 1954 to 1978 and achieved the rank of Colonel. He later worked in the private sector at Liberty Mutual and John Hancock Insurance Companies.
Lou was a former resident of North Reading for 47 years. He was active in many organizations in town. He was one of the original organizers of North Reading Pop Warner Football. He was the Director of the North Reading High School Marching Band and coached for many years with the North Reading Men’s Softball League. He was the Director of the North Reading Recreation Committee and a member of the Knights of Columbus. Lou was the Commander of the Vittori-Rocci Post No. 56 in Beverly for several years. He was the Commanding Officer for the U.S. Marine Corp’s Reserve Amphibious Unit in Lawrence in the 1970’s.
Family members include his daughter, Desneige M. Datillo of North Reading; sons, Peter K. Datillo and his wife Katey of East Kingston, NH and Matthew A. Datillo of Winthrop; grandchildren, Isabella Grace Datillo, Alexander Louis Datillo and Nicholas Donald Datillo of East Kingston, NH; he was the father of the late Jeanne and Louis, Jr. Datillo and brother of the late Josephine Datillo.
His Funeral will be held on Saturday, October 19 at 9:45 AM from the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow St., North Reading, followed by a 11:00 AM Funeral Mass at St. Theresa’s Church, 63 Winter St. (Rt. 62), North Reading. Calling hours will be held on Friday, October 18 from 4 to 8 PM. Memorial donations may be made in his memory to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516. www.croswellfuneralhome.com
So Very Sorry For Your Loss God Bless
Glad to have known you Lou ,always a class act !
SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS , he was my first baseball coach and we rocked that year . great person and thank you for your service
Condolences to the family and thank you for your service Rest In Peace Gina Costanza Sanfilippo
One thing not metioned… Col Lou rescued the usmc jrotc program at Beverly High school in 2007… here is the proclamation we read at city hall in his honor:
We are here to say thanks to Col Lou Datillo for his service to our School System, our Corps of Cadets and our Marine Corps JROTC program last year. While thinking of something appropriate to say I had the opportunity to attend several ceremonies last weekend for Veterans Day and the Marine Corps Birthday and one familiar phrase, often repeated, stuck in my mind.
Semper Fidelis “Always Faithful”
And it got me thinking, what does this phrase really mean
Wikipedia defines it as
“Signifying the dedication and loyalty that individual Marines are expected to have for “Corps and Country” even after leaving service.”
The Marine Corps Recruiting page states:
“It is more than just a motto… It is a commitment we all share to our country, to our corps, and to each other.”
Both definitions speak, ultimately, to dedication, loyalty and commitment.
And that is why we are here, to say thank you to Col Datillo for his dedication, loyalty and commitment. At a time in his life when he could have justifiably turned away, continuing to settle down in a well earned retirement, Col Datillo heeded a call to service to this School System, to the Marine Corps, and to our Corps of Cadets. This example of dedication is one I hope is not lost on these young cadets, or the rest of us.
Almost 100 years ago, the then Commandant of the Marine Corps, Maj. Gen John Lejeune stated in an address to his Officer Corps
“You should never forget the power of example. If you conduct yourselves at all times as officers and gentlemen should conduct themselves, the moral tone of the whole Corps will be raised, its reputation, which is most precious to all of us, will be enhanced, and the esteem and affection in which the Corps is held by the American people will be increased.”
Col Datillo’s recent example of service definitely burnished this most precious reputation.
There are not many institutions that have had a hold on Lou longer than the Marines, but Beverly High School is one of them. Graduating with the Class of 1950, Lou Datillo first attended our schools in the first half of the 20th century. When he stepped forward last year, he was teaching, motivating, and setting an example of loyalty and commitment to those who will lead us into the second half of the 21st Century.
This example of dedication, loyalty, and commitment has left an incredible legacy that I am sure these cadets, and this community, will remember for some time to come.
Semper Fi Colonel
Dear Desneige and family, praying that your memories bring you comfort and peace♥️ So sorry for your loss♥️
Peter and Matt,
Lou will always hold a special place in my heart. Such an honorable, distinguished man. Loved all the precious hours I spent with him at Oceanview. He is always made me laugh and nothing was better than a “Lou” hug! He was always so appreciative of everything. Thank you for the honor of caring for such a special man. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Datillo family.
Joanne Keefe
A good man & patriot!
Sorry for your loss Mat. My condolences to your family.
So very sorry for your loss. My condolences to your family.
We had great times together cutting wood & coaching softball & just hanging out.My condolences to Desneige,Peter & Mat.
Lou was a man of Honor, Pride, and Commitment. It was a pleasure that our paths intersected. . Redst in Peace my friend.