Obituaries/Viewings
Fortunato "Fred" T. Defranco | 97
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Fortunato “Fred” T. Defranco, 97, a resident of Pinecrest Manor and formerly of 207 Grandview Road, St. Marys, passed away Friday, October 15, 2021, at Pinecrest Manor.
He was born March 7, 1924, in Johnsonburg, son of the late Antonio and Pasquelina Albanese Defranco. Fred was a graduate of Johnsonburg High School, Class of 1941. After graduation, he served in the United States Army during World War II in the European Theatre and North Africa. He lived most of his life in St. Marys and was a retired employee of the Stackpole Carbon Company, retiring after 37 years of service.
On June 28, 1947, in the St. Mary’s Church, Fred married Monica G. Bauer, who preceded him in death on November 2, 2012.
He is survived by his daughters: Chris Ortiz of Latham, NY, and Lorraine Garbic of St. Marys; his son, Anthony M. Defranco of St. Marys; 10 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and a daughter-in-law, Cherre Defranco.
In addition to his wife and parents, Fred was preceded in death by his son, David Defranco in 2011; his daughter-in-law, Rita Defranco; his son-in-law, Gail Garbic; four sisters: Nicolena Marks, Rose Guidice, Angelina Petro, and Josephine Quattrone; and by his two brothers, Rocco “Roy” and Ralph Defranco. He was the last member of his immediate family.
After retiring from Stackpole, Fred was a sought after handyman, mostly electronics as that was his specialty. He enjoyed horseshoes and bowling in the leagues. Fred was a little notorious for keeping the spaghetti dinners going long after his spouse had passed away, turning his home into a meeting place for family every Sunday. Family was everything to him.
He was a member of the Queen of the World Church and a member of the American Legion.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in the Queen of the World Church on Monday, October 18, 2021, at 12:00 PM, with the Rev. Jeffery Noble, Pastor, officiating. Full military rites will be accorded by the St. Marys Servicemen’s Burial Detail. Burial will follow in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.
Visitation is at the Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home on Monday morning, from 10:00 until 11:30 AM.
Memorials, if desired, may be made to Penn Highlands Community Nurses, 757 Johnsonburg Road, Suite 200, St. Marys, PA 15857.
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So sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. Both he and your mother were great neighbors. Cherish the great memories!
Ann (Wagner) Vollmer
Fred was a good friend to the Bob Caseman Family! We enjoyed him coming to help Dad do things around the house and visit. Later in life we were Facebook Friends and I loved his comments and stories. What a wonderful man! RIP
Lorraine and family,
You’re in our thoughts and prayers.
God Bless you all.
Chris and Family, I am so deeply sorry to hear the passing of your dad. By knowing you as my friend and coworker, I know your dad had to be caring, loving and a great guy. Thoughts and Prayers are with you❤️
Chris and Family, Sorry for the loss of your Dad. No matter how old they are, it still hurts. Just wanted you to know, I’m thinking of you. May your Dad, Fred, Rest In Peace.
My deepest sympathies for my PA family. My Uncle Freddy and I stayed connected on Facebook, and he never once missed an opportunity to send me a “like” when I posted a picture of my granddaughter and me. Every single one of those likes warmed my heart, and will be greatly missed, as will he.
So very sorry for your loss. Sending love and condolences. God bless.
Lorraine and family,
Sorry for your loss.
May your Dad Rest In Peace.
Chris, my heart is with you and your family. Both of your parents were very special to me. My fondest times in Pa. were with your parents. Love and condolences. Fran
He went straight to heaven. A good family man. Always reminded me about the book “This is the House Jack Built”. Love to the family. Susan
So very sorry for your loss. Uncle Freddie was the best and my Godfather. Our families shared a lot together with all good memories. We are sending prayers for Peace and Comfort to all of you. R.I.P. Uncle Freddie—Love ya