DR. JOSEPH DE STEFANO

DE STEFANO DR. JOSEPH A compassionate physician, peacefully passed away on July 17, 2023, at his cherished home surrounded by his family and the warmth of their enduring love. He obtained a Bachelor of Science degree, a Doctor of Medicine degree and Residency in OBGYN at Georgetown University. Dr. DeStefano devoted his career to improving women's healthcare. He was a philanthropist, donor and board member of various charities including United Way, scholarship funds, and leadership training programs. His medical career encompassed 40 years of private practice, teaching positions, as well as clinical investigation, public relations and medical expert legal, and pharmaceutical industry consultant positions. He served as chairperson, staff president, vice chair and member of the Board of Trustees and the Board of Governors at the Atlanticare Medical Center where he was President of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. He worked on a State and National level as Chairperson and Treasurer of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and had a significant role in the New Jersey Governor's Conference for Women. His exceptional commitment earned him many awards including the esteemed Georgetown University Founders Alumni Recognition Award, Atlanticare President's Award for Excellence, and the Edward R. Knight Physicians Award. He was honored by the March of Dimes for delivering over 6,000 babies. Affectionately known as "Dr. D," his love, honesty, compassion and generosity touched the lives of all who knew him, especially his family. Dr. De Stefano passionately enjoyed the beach and ocean, boating, fishing, swimming, body surfing, skiing, and traveling internationally. His greatest joy was with his beloved family and dear friends. Dr. De Stefano is survived by his devoted wife, Rita of 55 years, children Danielle (Tolomy) Erpf, Lila (Nicholas) Smith, and Joseph (Abby) De Stefano, as well as his adored grandchildren Shelby, Avery, Leigh, Nicky Smith, Joseph, and Duke De Stefano and his brother Richard DeStefa-no. Dr. DeStefano's memory lives on in the hearts of his family, friends, colleagues, and patients. He will be dearly missed. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, at 10:30 A.M. at Holy Trinity Church of the Blessed Sacrament, Margate City, New Jersey, where friends may call at 9:30 A.M. Interment at Laurel Memorial Park Cemetery, Pomona. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to organizations close to Dr. De Stefano's heart: Church of the Blessed Sacrament in Margate, St. Edward's Church in Palm Beach, AtlantiCare, The Leukemia And Lymphoma Society, The American Red Cross (Blood Donations). To pay respects, leave condolences, and share your fondest memories of Dr. De Stefano please visit www.JeffriesandKeates.com. Services entrusted to JEFFRIES and KEATES FUNERAL HOME, 609-646-3400