Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Rev. Joseph Anthony DeFrancisco
1948 - 2017
Rev. Joseph Anthony DeFrancisco
1948 - 2017
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1948
DIED
2017
Joseph DeFrancisco Obituary
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Tim Schoon
December 22, 2017
I am so saddened to hear of Fr. Joe's passing. He was a loving and caring soul who helped me in so many ways as a student at St. Ambrose. I learned so much from him and wish I could have learned even more. I pray that the Lord grant him peaceful rest and may his soul know that his memories will live on in the lives of the students he taught and mentored. I am better for having known and studied under you, Father. May God's mercy grant you peace and eternal rest.
Nancy Hines
August 2, 2017
I want to express my sincere condolence for your loss. Father Joe was a humble, happy, caring soul and I will miss his kindness. Eternal rest be granted unto him, dear Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Renee Meyer Ernst
July 25, 2017
I was so saddened to hear about Fr. Joe's passing; please accept my heartfelt sympathies. May he rest in peace.
Sean McLoughlin
July 25, 2017
Fr. Joe was a great friend, teacher and mentor. Like many other students he was always there in happy and sad times. I will never forget his humor, friendship and support. Whenever I was going through tough times he was always there to listen and help guide me in the right path. His passing is a great loss for his family and the St. Amborse community. I will truly miss him.
How you can show support
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Derek Fuller
July 24, 2017
Spring of 2014, I decided to go back to school and finish up my Bachelor's Degree. I had the pleasure of having Father DeFrancisco as my instructor for my first class. Even on an 8:30 am class on a Saturday, he made the lessons engaging, was fantastic in covering topic, and was overall a friendly face. You can't describe how much of an impact this had. Father Joe as he liked to be called, made the transition of an unsure returning student all the more easier. He was good people, who's impact on myself and other students is part of a larger legacy he had on those he touched around him.
Allan Ross
July 24, 2017
Father Joe was a wonderful friend and adviser for many years, and I will miss him greatly. May his name be remembered forever as a blessing.
Mary Heinzman
July 24, 2017
The staff at the St. Ambrose University Library extend our condolences to the family and friends of Fr. Joe. Fr. Joe was often in the Library and we will miss seeing him.
Barbara Hesenius
July 24, 2017
Joe, You imparted to me a lasting legacy of unconditional love, joyous laughter, delicious meals, insightful wisdom, mischievous adventures, enduring friendship and timely spiritual guidance. "Well done, good and faithful servant." I will see you in Heaven!
Michael Jamail
July 24, 2017
In the years Joe was a seminarian and then a priest for the Diocese of Beaumont, he shared his trust in a merciful God with all of us. When the bishop gave Joe permission to accept an academic position at St. Ambrose University, we sent one of our best pastoral ministers to that community. May he rest in peace. Michael Jamail, Vicar General
Barbara Pitz
July 24, 2017
I was deeply saddened to hear of Joe's death. In the many years we worked together, I always found him to be more than a colleague. He was a friend, and I will miss him. We shared so many wonderful conversations! I know he touched the lives of his many students, and I can honestly say he also touched mine. My deepest sympathy to his family and to the SAU family who will feel his loss profoundly.
Barb Orfitelli
July 23, 2017
Fr. Joe had an excitement about him that was contagious; it was a joy to be around him and talk with him. He has touched many lives and will surely be missed by many. The world is a better place because of his presence and his contributions; and we, who were privileged to know him, are better for his having been a part of our lives. Blessing. Peace. Love. You will be in our hearts.
Cathy Roller
July 23, 2017
Fr. Joe touched so many lives with his
joy. He was an amazing professor. He loved his St. Ambrose University family and they loved him. He loved to travel,
his Italian food, students and his research. He is greatly loved and he will be greatly missed. We are better people for having known him. Rest in peace my friend.
Eileen and John Dumesnil
July 23, 2017
Fr. Joe was a dear friend to our family. Our 4 children loved him dearly. We were all together at St. Joseph's in Port Arthur. We remember and still laugh at his antics. We have missed him these past 27 years.
Stephen Tendall
July 23, 2017
I was very shocked to here the news of Father Joe's passing. In my work in the Counseling Center, FR. Joe was always very supportive of our work and frequently referred students to the Center or sought some counsel on particular students he was working with or had in class. He was a fervent advocate for students on campus and a truly beautiful person. The campus community will miss him greatly!! He is home now.....
Joanna Dumesnil Byrne
July 23, 2017
Fr. Joe touched the lives of so many families. I grew up in Port
Arthur, TX, when Fr. Joe was at St. Joseph's Church. Fr. Joe was like a family member. We ate dinner with him often. He would come over and ask mom what she was cooking, then he would eat and take a nap. More than anything, he had a generous heart and playful spirit. We laughed a lot. He guided me and my brothers in many ways and I am a better person for it. God's peace be with you Father Joe.
Thomas Brocato
July 23, 2017
It is with a heavy heart that I learned of Joseph's passing. He was one of the best chefs I ever met and, like myself, a lover of all things Italian. As a young man in Beaumont, Joseph introduced me to many religious, cultural and artistic experiences. I will forever recall our trips across the country, Mexico and Canada. I especially remember our time in Latrobe and my first airplane trip to Cozumel. Mostly, however, Joseph brought a deep spirituality with him everywhere he went. I will miss him deeply.
Lori Myers
July 22, 2017
I had Father for comparative Religions in 1992. I was back on campus in 2002 and he still remembered my name. I was amazed by that. He was a wonderful teacher and the meals that he made were amazing. The food and fellowship he shared was beyond compare. He was loved by so many and will be truly missed. Thinking of Father and his family at this time.
Nelson & Shirley Edgerly
July 22, 2017
Joe found his true vocation at St. Ambrose. We knew him when he was a young priest (top left) and he was a good mentor for our family. Joe will be missed by all whose lives he touched.
Nelson and Shirley Edgerly
July 22, 2017
We enjoyed his company and pranks for a few years. He was like our 5th son.
Tammy Edgerly
July 22, 2017
The world is a bit dimmer with the loss of this loving, generous man. I have innumerable memories of fun, mischevious (in the best sense) adventures with Joe. His energy was infectious and inspiring. Peace to all.
Jeff Cotton
July 22, 2017
In the short time he was here at St. James in Port Arthur, Texas Fr. Joe was able to make a difference not just in my life but in most of the lives he touched. I will cherish the memories and miss him dearly as a friend that gone too soon.
Vincent Edwards
July 22, 2017
Fr Joe was an outstanding priest and friend to all. St James church in Port Arthur was not the same without him, and neither was St James CYO in the 70's. Farewell till we meet again friend.
Fay Sherman
July 22, 2017
Remembering all the great time we had at St Joseph's and when you came back and gave a talk at St Anthony's may you Rest In Peace
Lynette Edgerly Lindner
July 22, 2017
He spent fun times with our family as we were growing up! Baptizing some our children and creating wonderful memories! We will remember the laughing!
Ken Grenier
July 22, 2017
Fr. Joe was a gret friend I will miss him dearly.
Mattie Owens
July 22, 2017
Father Joe was in inspiration for me. I always meant to go back to let him know that I turned out a better person by having him as an instructor. I'll always remember him and I still speak about him to my students. Thanks Father Joe.
Christine Urish
July 22, 2017
Our campus community has lost an exceptional educator, priest, scholar and friend. Thank you Fr Joe for your dedication and kind words.
Rick Brindza
July 21, 2017
Father Joe was an inspiration to many of us that were involved in the CYO at St Anne's in Beaumont, Tx back in the 70's. I am greatful to have known such a wonderful person and I appreciate the spiritual guidance you gave to us.
Jim Read
July 21, 2017
Fr. Joe was by far one of my best professors, Spiritual Director and Friend. He helped me discern into seminary and helped me transfer back to life outside of one. I will truly miss him and know he is in heaven with our Heavenly Father now.
Shirley Schmidt
July 21, 2017
Father Joe was a gentle person, eager to share his faith with everybody. He always had a smile on his face, and truly listened to a person. St. Ambrose lost another wonderful person.
He fought the good fight and he won the race. God bless you, Father Joe.
Sandy Quinn
July 21, 2017
Fr. Joe was a sweet colleague. I'm astonished to learn of his passing. His friends, students, and colleagues will miss his warm friendship.
Pat Archer
July 21, 2017
We'll miss you as a colleague and our students will miss you more as a mentor and role model. Rest in peace.
Diane Martino
July 21, 2017
Heaven has another Angel. Tony I will never forget your beautiful soul and your caring heart. You have left this world a better place. Rest in peace.
Donald Moeller
July 21, 2017
Father Joe was a gift to St Ambrose. His dedication to the faith and his use of all religions to help in the quest for knowing that faith more fully was a joy to witness. His intensity meant he held strong opinions and was not shy in expressing them. As one who filled in for him several times in his courses I saw the serious approach expected from him by his students and the expectation that classes should be serious but enjoyable times together. He was a good man and a dedicated Christian. He will be missed. Don Moeller Administrator and Theology faculty member.
Ron Wastyn
July 21, 2017
Joe you were a cherished colleague who always saw the light through the dark clouds. I will miss our passing conversations but remember the example you set the rest of you. Be in peace.
Andrew Swift
July 21, 2017
I simply can't find the words to express my sorrow or love and admiration I have for Joe.
Rest in peace my friend, I will miss you.
Juleann Miller
July 21, 2017
I had the pleasure of working last year on the PTS committee with father Joe. His insights and support of this faculty process were very well received and respected by his colleagues. He was a true joy to work with. He will be greatly missed. His contributions truly made a difference.
Timothy Bladel
July 21, 2017
He was such an awesome teacher, priest, colleague and friend. His style of communication was impactful and he was just a joy to learn from and to later work with. He is truly missed.
Dr. Craig Shoemaker
July 21, 2017
Joe was a great and well respected colleague. All of his students loved him.
Showing 1 - 39 of 39 results
838 East Kimberly Road, Davenport, IA 52807
Make a Donation
in Joseph DeFrancisco's name
How to support Joseph's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Joseph DeFrancisco's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
