DeStefano, Dr. Joseph, - Dr. Joseph DeStefano, 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 pro-grams. His medical career encompassed 40 years of private practice, teaching positions, as well as clinical investigation, public relations & 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 es-teemed 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 & ocean, boating, fishing, swimming, body surfing, skiing, and traveling internationally. His greatest joy was with his beloved family and dear friends.

Dr. DeStefano 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 DeStefano. 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. Internment 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 Do-nations). To pay respects, leave condolences, and share your fondest memories of Dr. DeStefano please visit www.JeffriesandKeates.com. Services entrusted to Jeffries and Keates Funeral Home, 609-646-3400.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Press of Atlantic City on Jul. 22, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Joseph DeStefano

Sponsored by Jeffries & Keates Funeral Home.

21 Entries

July 1, 2024

I have just learned of Joes passing I have nor seen him in many years we grew up on the same street in Clifton nj. In the late 50s and 60s I knew his mom dad and brother Richard we lost touch in 1965 as I was drafted in to the army and Joe went off to college so yes it’s been many years reading all the peoples memories of him I am truly sorry we did not reunite over the years he was a great young man sorry I missed u Joe rest in peace l will keep Joe and family in my prayers with deepest condolences
Steve Mark

Jane Stark

August 2, 2023

Dr. Joe was my first physician when I moved to this area in 1080. He was caring, kind and very attentive to his patients. My heart goes out to his family. May his memory be a blessing.

Carmen & Karen Rone

Planted Trees

Ray Bertschy

July 27, 2023

Dear Rita,
Truly sorry for your loss. I heard the news of Joe´s passing. May God Bless you and your Family.
Raymond Bertschy

Katherine Pouleres

July 26, 2023

My doctor for forty years the best...
Condolences to the family...R.I.P.

Mary ann Puher, McClellan

July 24, 2023

Condolences to the De Stefano family, sorry Danielle, and girls. He was a great figure in the area and will be cherished who knew and loved him....

Maryanne molesse

July 24, 2023

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

M. Teresa Dreager

July 23, 2023

Condolences to the DeStefano Family. I am forever grateful Dr D. was the doctor on call both times to deliver my sons. He could never be replaced when he retired, compassionate and witty. Godspeed Doc.

Dr Ira Trocki

July 23, 2023

My condolences to YRita and yikes family. He was a great doctor and and even better person. He will be missed

July 23, 2023

Dr. DeStefano was my Italian immigrant mother's OBG-YN back in the early 70s. She didn't speak a word of English and was preganant with her first American born child in 1972.
Dr. D. was extremely compassionate and she was so comforted by his kindness and gentle demeanor. She continued with him for decades and that "baby" will be 50 in a month.
Our deepest condolences to his family. May he rest in peace in the arms of the Lord. A life well lived in the service of others.

Roseanne Critchley Hazlett

July 23, 2023

Condolences to the DeStefano family. I have fond memories of our Margate childhood spending time with the family, and later having Dr. D as my physician. He was a wonderful doctor.

Bonnie (Hughes) Anderson

July 22, 2023

Condolences to Dr.DeStefano's family. My Prayers are with you all during this most difficult time. I worked for Dr.DeStefano for several years in the Ventnor office. Many fond memories of those years. So very sorry for your loss

Linda Seidenburg

July 22, 2023

My sympathy to the DeStefano family. You were the best of the best doctor and your care of my health was brilliant and your witness for our Lord Jesus says it all.

Deborah Hale &Family

July 22, 2023

Dr Destefano
Our Deepest Condolences to your Family&Staff
you were a Generation DR to my family &I for many years our hearts are broken we will never forget you I was also your first case on my lining removal saddened
by all of us (RIP) Beatrice,Frances,Deborah & Maria &Danielle

Melody L Kirby

July 22, 2023

My condolences to the family of Dr Destefano. When i was a child i was friends with his daughter and he was always nice to me and treated me with such kindness. Rest in peace.

Elaine Zamansky

July 22, 2023

Condolences to his family. Dr. D. was my gynecologist for many, many years, and it's been hard to replace him. His warmth and caring were as exceptional as his knowledge and expertise. Rest in peace. Dr. D., you've earned it.

Denise Crudup

July 22, 2023

My Condolences to the family.My favorite Dr. he saved my life he will be truly missed. Rest Easy Dr.D

Carol B Schreibman

July 22, 2023

I loved Dr. DeStefano who took such wonderful care of me during all 3 of my pregnancies. He was compassionate and took the time to banish any fears his patients might have had. My deepest sympathies to his family.

Ramona Scott

July 22, 2023

To The Destefano Family I Would Very Much Like To Extend My Heartfelt Condolences And Prayers To You. Dr D Was The Only Dr That I Would Agree To See For My Appointments, He Was The Absolute Best-My Mother Was One Of His Patients And Then I Started Going To Him In The Absecon Office When I Was 22 & Continued For Many Many Years... He Had To Be The Most Caring, Calm Spirited Dr That I Had Ever Seen He Made You Feel Comfortable In His Presence And Always Explained Everything Throughly-That Is Part Of What Made Dr D Different From The Rest-One Of The Best-Never Forgotten Your Warm Spirit Lives On

Rosalyn Wooding

July 22, 2023

My condolences to his family...he was my favorite gynecologist as well as one of The Best in Atlantic County! He was a very compassionate and professional doctor! He will truly be missed but certainly not forgotten!

Muriel D McFadden

July 22, 2023

Dear Family, my prayers are with you during this difficult time. I was one of his patients for a very long time. I am sad but I rejoice knowing Dr. D made difference in so many lives. Respectfully, Muriel, his FAVORITE patient.

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