Daniel John DeFrancis

Daniel John DeFrancis OAK ISLAND, N.C.- Daniel John DeFrancis, 90, died Thursday, Feb. 11, 2016. Dan was born in Brooklyn, N.Y, to Nora Stewart and Daniel A. DeFrancis. He was predeceased by a younger brother, Al. School years were spent in Freeport, L.I. Dan was a World War II Army veteran. He trained at Camp Hale, Colo., for the Ski Patrol of the 10th Mountain Division and served in Northern Italy from 1942 to 1945. After graduating from Cortland State University in New York in 1951. He taught history. He spent 30 years with the Hyde Park Central School System. His love of teaching and of history left memorable impressions on thousands of students he had over the years. A long-time resident of Rhinebeck, N.Y., Dan retired from teaching and spent time working outside, hiking and going to the beach. Reading history books and war novels was his indoor activity. He is survived by his wife, Judith (“Judy”) DeFrancis of Oak Island, N.C.; and daughter, Denise D. Prince (Steve) and grandson Lucas Lee Prince, of Southport, N.C. He is also survived by Eric Jappen of Rhinebeck, long-time good friend to both Dan and Judy. Private services were held.