Lou Filippo, giant in sport of boxing, dies

DOWNEY - Louis "Lou" Filippo, a revered boxing judge and referee, and member of the World Boxing Council and World Boxing Hall of Fame, died Monday. He was 83.Filippo was born in Los Angeles and lived in Downey his entire life. He belonged to the Knights of Columbus. Filippo retired from Thermal Electronic and embarked on a remarkable career as a boxing judge and referee. He began his officiating career in the mid-1970's and went on to referee and/or judge several high-profile fights, including the Sugar Ray Leonard-Marvelous Marvin Hagler title fight in 1987. Filippo also judged the first Oscar De La Hoya-Shane Mosley fight in 2000. Last month, Filippo won $10,000 in a raffle by the Downey Rose Float Association. He was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award two weeks ago by the World Boxing Hall of Fame for his contributions to the sport. Filippo was also known for his portrayal of the referee in four "Rocky" films. He is survived by his daughters, Deborah Shephard and Patti Petruzzelle; seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. A visitation is scheduled for tonight 4 to 8 p.m., with a vigil at 7 p.m. A funeral Mass will take place tomorrow at 9:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church. Burial will follow at Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Miller-Mies Mortuary is handling arrangements. ********** Published: November 6, 2009 - Volume 8 - Issue 29