Servant of God Giuseppe Maria De Lillo (1974–2017) was born on November 5, 1974, in Rome, Italy, the youngest of seven children in a Catholic family. He completed his academic studies with distinction and earned a degree in psychology from the Pontifical Salesian University. Known for his intellectual seriousness and civic engagement from a young age, he combined academic achievement with active participation in charitable and cultural initiatives inspired by his Catholic faith.

In 2000, De Lillo entered formation with the Legionaries of Christ, discerning a vocation to serve the Church; he later left religious formation while continuing to live a committed Christian life as a layman. In 2006 he co-founded the political and cultural association Cuore Azzurro, and in 2010 he established the association and publication L’Ottimista, both aimed at promoting Christian values and positive social engagement in public life. He also founded Natale 365, an initiative dedicated to charitable outreach, and worked professionally as a psychologist, particularly assisting young people and individuals facing personal difficulties.

In August 2017, De Lillo was hospitalized with acute pancreatitis and endured a prolonged period of serious illness marked by medical complications. Throughout his suffering he remained active in supporting the initiatives he had founded and continued to offer spiritual encouragement to those around him. He died in Rome on December 16, 2017, at the age of 43.