Michael F DeFrancesco

Michael "Mike the Barber" DeFrancesco, 80, of Pittston, passed away early Sunday morning, March 1, 2026 surrounded by his entire family.

Born December 24, 1945 in Yatesville, he was the son of the late Michael DeFrancesco Sr. and Lydia Sell. Michael graduated from the former Northeast High School in Pittston in 1963, where he met his childhood sweetheart and the love of his life, Lorraine DeMark DeFrancesco of Old Boston. The couple would have celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary later this year.

His greatest love of all - and his proudest accomplishment - was his family. Michael's entire world revolved around Lorraine and their two children, Michael J. DeFrancesco of Bear Creek and Lynnette Martin of Ocean Isle Beach, NC.

However, his greatest joy came from watching his grandchildren grow up: Melissa Solack of Myrtle Beach; Aubrey and Ashley Solack of Dallas; and Mikey, Mia, and Rocco DeFrancesco of Bear Creek. As proud as Michael was of his kids, his grandchildren meant the world to him.

He is also survived by his "favorite" daughter-in-law, Sarah DeFrancesco of Bear Creek, and son-in-law, Tim Martin of Ocean Isle Beach, NC.

Michael was one of the hardest-working Italian Americans you could ever meet, doing everything he possibly could to provide the best life for his family.

At just 19 years old, he began what would become nearly a 60-year career as a barber and proud business owner of DeFrancesco's Barber Shop in Exeter. Known affectionately as "Mike the Barber," his shop was more than a place for haircuts - it was a gathering spot filled with laughter, storytelling, and lifelong friendships.

Even while battling multiple illnesses in recent years, Michael would still find a way to make it to the barber shop, working just a few hours at a time - even if it meant some of his most loyal customers had to lend a helping hand to help him get around.

A kid from Yatesville who spent many summers visiting family in the Bronx watching Yankees baseball games, Michael grew up idolizing Mickey Mantle and developed a lifelong love for the New York Yankees.

That passion was passed down to his entire family, all devoted Yankees fans. One of his most cherished memories was attending a Yankees games with his children and grandchildren - a moment he treasured deeply.

Every inch of the interior walls of his barber shop was covered in Yankees memorabilia. Customers quickly learned that walking in wearing Red Sox, Mets, or Phillies apparel meant good-natured harassment, as Michael was a legendary jokester who loved teasing everyone who walked through his door.

If his second love was the Yankees, his next was hunting and "The Cabin." In the early 1950s, family and friends from Pittston formed the Old Boston Sportsmen's Club in Long Pond, PA. If Michael wasn't home or at the barber shop, you could find him every Sunday in the fall at the cabin surrounded by 15 or more of his closest friends, uncles, and especially his little brother, Sal.

Hunting and the traditions of "The Cabin" were passions he proudly passed on to his son Michael, who continues to try and keep that spirit alive with his own sons and cousin Sal Jr.

Michael will be remembered for his unmatched work ethic, his humor, his loyalty, and the deep, unwavering love he had for his family.

His barber chair may now sit empty, but the laughter, stories, and traditions he created will carry on for generations.

A celebration of Michael's life will be held from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. this Thursday at Graziano Funeral Home, 700 South Township Blvd., Pittston.

Funeral services will begin at the funeral home on Friday at 9 a.m. Those who plan on attending are asked to be at the funeral home no later than 8:45am.

A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10am in St Francis Cabrini Church, 585 Mt. Olivet Road, Wyoming, PA.

Family and friends are invited to attend and honor a man who meant so much to so many.

Michael Jr will open the barbershop one last time this Saturday from 10-12 pm for all of his loyal customers & friends who meant so much to him so everyone can sit around and have a few more laughs in honor of Mike the Barber.

For further information or to share a memory of Michael, please visit www.GrazianoFuneralHome.com