Donald DeFraga

1946 - 2025

Donald DeFraga
04/18/1946 - 07/28/2025
San Francisco resident Donald "Don" DeFraga, 79, passed away from heart failure on July 28, 2025. Born on April 18, 1946, Don cherished the City. His warmth and incredible sense of humor brightened the lives of all who knew him.
Don was widely known for his infectious laughter and generosity. A proud Stanford and Rutgers Business School graduate, he never missed an opportunity to root for his favorite team, the San Francisco Giants. At Stanford he was a member of Delta Chi fraternity, where he served as rush chairman and made many life-long friends. After graduation he and his brother Al organized a Stanford football tailgate that continues to this day. Don was a film buff, seeing almost all the latest films, and remembering specific details of each one even many years later. Those who knew Don will forever remember the warmth and spirit he brought to gatherings, lighting up the room with his presence.
After graduate school, Don joined Arthur Andersen & Co. in the Administrative division. He was a consultant on many out-of-town as well as San Francisco projects. Don started his real estate and property investment career in the late 1970's, first with Colonial Realty and eventually with Coldwell Banker. From those early days, his colleagues and clients became life-long friends. Don did very well with his properties and partnerships but took some interesting detours along the way – including importing the fabulous (well maybe not) "Skate-Cycle" and co-owning for some very fun years the bar-restaurant "Greeley's".
Don leaves behind his nephew Matthew DeFraga, and many close friends, all of whom will miss him dearly. Don touched many lives and made everyone he met feel welcome and valued.
A celebration of Don's life will be held at a later date, where stories and laughter will be shared in his honor.