Capt. Accursio “Gus” A. Sanfilippo, 55, of Gloucester, beloved husband of Lorie F. (Sutera) Sanfilippo, tragically passed away at sea on January 30th, 2026, leaving behind a family and community united in grief.
Captain Gus Sanfilippo was born in Gloucester on September 24th, 1970, the son of Antonino Sanfilippo and the late Lillian (Piazza) Sanfilippo. He was a graduate of Gloucester High School, Class of 1988. It was during his high school years that he met his high school sweetheart, Lorie, with whom he shared 32 beautiful years together.
Gus grew up down on the docks, learning the ropes of the fishing industry from his father, a Sicilian immigrant who fished the waters aboard his boat, the F/V St. George II. While attending Gloucester High School, Gus participated in the carpentry shop, where he learned the trade and later built his family home with his own hands.
Whenever Gus was home from fishing, he loved the time he spent with his wife and two children, whom he loved beyond measure. He was immensely proud of his children—his adored daughter, Dr. Lily Jean Sanfilippo, who pursued higher education to become an optometrist and now serves the Gloucester community through her practice, Sanfilippo Eye Care; and his cherished son, Anthony Sanfilippo, a graduate of Nichols College with a degree in business, who works as a billing specialist.
Gus had a deep passion for the water, whether dragging offshore or inshore striped bass fishing with his son, with whom he spent countless hours with. He also enjoyed going tuna fishing in the summers. He enjoyed visiting the Choate Bridge Pub, taking family vacations, cooking for those he loved, listening to country music, and dancing.
He was also deeply devoted to the International Dory Racing Committee, dedicating more than 40 years of his life to the dory racing community. Gus took great pride in teaching both of his children how to row and in watching them compete against our friendly Canadian rivals who became lifelong friends. Gus was also a member of the St. Peter’s Club.
Gus was known as one of the most genuine people you could meet, with a warm smile that could light up a room. He cared deeply for his family and friends, and treasured time spent with the people he loved. He took great pride in his role as a captain, mentoring many young men—teaching them how to succeed in the fishing industry.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Lorie Sutera Sanfilippo of Gloucester; his father, Antonino Sanfilippo; his mother-in-law, Jean Sutera; and his two children, whom he loved dearly: his daughter, Dr. Lily Jean Sanfilippo, and her boyfriend, Joshua Gallant; and his son, Anthony Sanfilippo. He is also survived by his sisters, Rosemarie LaRocca and her husband, Calogero; MaryJane Carollo and her husband, John; and LillyJoyce Gagliardi and her husband, Anthony; his sister-in-law, Jennifer Costanzo, and her husband, Jack; his brother-in-law, Peter Sutera, and his wife, Caterina; his aunt, Giuseppina Maniscalco, and her husband, Silvestro; his uncle, Mario Piazza, and his wife, Caterina; his uncle, Charlie Sanfilippo, and his wife Caterina; his aunt Filippina and many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was predeceased by his mother, Lillian Sanfilippo, and his father-in-law, Leonard Sutera.
Visiting hours will be held in the Greely Funeral Home, 212 Washington Street, Gloucester, on Monday, February 9, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Ann Church, Holy Family Parish on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Gloucester.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the FV Lily Jean Fund, organized by the Gloucester Fishing Community Preservation Fund at http://www.fvlilyjeanfund.org.
For online condolences, please visit www.greelyfuneralhome.com
Good Morning Gloucester 