Anthony P. DeFazio

DeFazio, Anthony TROY Anthony P. DeFazio, 95, of Fourth Street, died February 5, 2011, at St. Mary's Hospital surrounded by his loving family. Born in Valle Fiorita, Calabria, Italy, he was the son of the late Guiseppe DeFazio and Maria Vespari DeFazio. He was pre-deceased by his beloved wife, Josephine Cioffi DeFazio, who died December 3, 2009. They were married December 22, 1940. Anthony loved most working with his wife and family in their business, A. DeFazio's Imports, in South Troy for more than 59 years. Anthony is remembered for his generous heart. He was well-loved by his customers, and he enjoyed serving them. Anthony will be greatly missed, but always remembered, by his family, friends and the many people whom he touched during his lifetime. He cared for his family, his friends, his neighborhood, and his community, both here and abroad, and served them with great pride. He worked to support Italian immigration laws in the 60's and 70's as a member of the American Committee on Italian Migration. He was honored to have had an audience with Pope John, John Paul I and John Paul II. Additionally, because of this work on immigration he met Presidents Eisenhower, Kennedy, Nixon and Carter. Mr. DeFazio was an active member of the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus and served as grand knight and faithful navigator. He was a communicant of St. Anthony's Church in Troy, where he served on the parish counsil and ushered for more than 60 years. He was a member of the Third Order of St. Francis of Assisi, where he volunteered extensively by organizing spaghetti suppers and baked ziti dinners, which he was well-known for. He also organized and planned the annual Feast of St. Joseph's Dinner, which fed thousands of underprivileged and disadvantaged in downtown Troy. He raised money for the Boys Town of Italy and earthquake relief for both Naples and Sicily. He was conferred the honor of "Cavaliere della Stella della Solidarieta Italiana" Award from the President of Italy. Additionally, he received the Mother Cabrini Award from the American Committee of Italian Migration. Mr. DeFazio was instrumental in the development of Columbus Square celebrating all immigration and nationalities. Mr. DeFazio received honors and recognition from the City of Troy, the Rensselaer County Legislature, the Rensselaer County Historic Society and the Albany Symphony Orchestra for his reputation as a business owner and for the charitable work in the community he so loved. Survivors include his loving children, Mary Villano of Latham, Joseph DeFazio (Kate Childs) of Northampton, Mass., Rocco DeFazio (Janice) of Troy, Anthony DeFazio (Maura) of Menands; 11 beloved grandchildren, Vincent Villano, Marcus Villano, Alaina DeFazio, Michael DeFazio, Matthew DeFazio, Elizabeth DeFazio, John DeFazio, Anthony Zane DeFazio, Jerry DeFazio, Edward Joseph, Gabriel Joseph; and a great-grandson, Anthony Villano. He is also survived by his sister, Marianna Sorrentino, who just celebrated her 100th birthday in Valle Fiorita, Italy. Anthony was predeceased by his brother, John DeFazio. Relatives and Friends are invited to attend the Funeral Mass on Tuesday, February 8, 2011, at 11:00 a.m. in St. Anthony's Church, Troy, where the Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Mario Julian. Entombment will follow in St. Mary's Mausoleum, Troy. Calling hours are 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Tuesday at St. Anthony's Church prior to Mass. Donations in memory of Anthony may be made to The Josephine and Anthony DeFazio Culinary Scholarship Fund to benefit culinary students of Questar III's Rensselaer Educational Center c/o The Community Foundation for the Great Capital Region, 6 Tower Place, Albany, New York 12203. For guestbook please visit www.mcloughlinmason.com.