Andrew M. DeFrancesco

Mr. Andrew M. DeFrancesco died at home on Wednesday, November 14, 2018. He was 87. Born on May 8, 1931 in Boston he was a son of the late Charles and Emily (Maffei) DeFrancesco. Raised and educated in East Boston he graduated from East Boston High School where he played on its baseball and basketball teams. Andrew honorably served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict and was stationed in Germany. He met Medford native Tanya Z. Kolligian while both studying at UMass Amherst and the pair were married in Holy Trinity Armenian Church on Brattle Street in Cambridge on May 20, 1962. They settled in Lexington where they would raise their family and have been residents of Waltham since 1994. Andrew earned his first Bachelor's degree in English Literature from University of Massachusetts Amherst. He worked as a draftsman for many years before earning his second Bachelor's degree in architecture from the Boston Architectural Center where he later taught. His professional career was long spanned in architecture. Andrew worked for various companies before establishing his own firm, AMD Architects and was still working until recent weeks. Following his love for his family, especially the grandchildren whom he adored, Andrew was most content playing golf. He belonged to Meadowbrook Country Club in Reading and played many rounds as well at Falmouth Country Club. His love of things out doors also included skiing and membership in the Woburn Sportsman's Club and he had a keen eye for photography. Andrew loved following the New England Patriots and was a loyal fan of the Celtics in the era of their 'Dream Team'. In addition to his wife of 56 years, Tanya, he leaves their children, Adam M. DeFrancesco of Waltham and Nicole S. Leone (Frank) of Newton; his grandchildren, Samantha, Sofia and Joseph Leone and Jakob DeFrancesco; his brother, Guy DeFrancesco (Dorothy) of Saugus; his brothers-in-law, Mark Kolligian (Nancy) of Franklin, Tony Ruggerio of Revere, and Gerry Roy in California; his sister-in-law, Judy Kolligian of Jamaica Plain; nieces & nephews. He was also the brother of the late Rosemarie Ruggerio and Mary Roy. Family and friends will honor and remember Andrew's life by gathering for calling hours in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Sunday, November 18th from 2 to 5 p.m. and again on Monday morning when his funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Burial is private. Memorials in his name may be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675-8517.