JOSEPH A. DeFRANCO

DeFRANCO, JOSEPH A. 93 - of Marmora, passed away peacefully on February 21, 2013 with his family by his side, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was the son of the late Jerry DeFranco and Marie (Ambrose) DeFranco Pullo. Born on March 19, 1919 in Ocean City, NJ, he was one of four children. He served his country during World War II. He spent most of his life living and working In Ocean City before moving to Upper Township in 1998. The first 29 years of his career were spent with Sealtest in many positions in the dairy industry. He then began a second career in the real estate profession, retiring as a broker. Joe was a member of many organizations including the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Knights of Columbus, Democratic Club of Cape May County, Italian/American Club, Atlantic City All-Sports Association, and the Ocean City Board of Realtors. He was a member of Saint Maximilian Kolbe Parish. Joe's best times were with family and friends. He blessed every day that he spent with his grandchildren. Surviving are his wife of 71 years, Gladys (Myers), for whom he had an overwhelming love; four children, Joanne Townsend (Allen) of EHT, Joseph DeFranco (Joyce) of Memphis, TN, Marie Taylor (Jeff) of Marmora, Brian DeFranco (Kathleen) of Marmora, brother Jerry DeFranco of Palermo, nine grandchildren, and four great grandchildren. A Mass of Christian burial will be offered on Tuesday, February 26 at 11:00am at Saint Maximilian Kolbe Parish, 200 West Tuckahoe Road, Marmora, NJ where friends can call from 10:00am. Those who desire may send memorial contributions to Happy Home Charity, PO Box 443, Marmora, NJ 08223, Holy Redeemer, 1801 Rte 9 North, Swainton, NJ 08210, or Shore Cancer Center, One East New York Ave, Somers Point, NJ 08244. Arrangements by the George H. Wimberg Funeral Home.