Joseph Anthony DeFrancisco

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Liberty High School

FUNERAL HOME

Morello Funeral Home, Inc.

3720 Nicholas St.

Easton, Pennsylvania

Joseph DeFrancisco Obituary

Joseph Anthony DeFrancisco, 86, of Davenport FL, passed away on Wednesday, March 5, 2025 surrounded by his loving family and friends. Born on July 9, 1938 in Bethlehem, PA, he was the son of the late John W. and Eleanor D. (Davis) DeFrancisco. Joseph was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Lucy L. (Cervellini) DeFrancisco. Joe was a member of the class of 1956 of Liberty High School in Bethlehem, PA and served his country in the United States Marine Corps. He was the owner and operator of Joe's Fruit Market in Bethlehem and various other locations for over 60 years. He always had a story to tell and loved to make his customers laugh and feel like they were part of his family. In his school days, he was passionate about playing football as the quarterback and became an avid E-A-G-L-E-S fan. One of his most favorite things was the time he spent in Disney World with his family. He enjoyed riding Dumbo with his grandchildren during their first Disney experience. Joseph is survived by his daughters, Kim Ann LaValva and David of Wind Gap; Lori Muhl and Jeffrey; Jody Ruhf and Michael; Kelly DeFrancisco and Pat Cooper all from Bethlehem. Grandchildren, Ryan and Andrew Muhl, Nicole LaValva, Cole Ruhf, and Gianna Cooper; great-grandchildren, Hunter, Kalin, and Thomas as well as many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his companion, Susan McLaughlin. In addition to his parents and wife, Joseph was also preceded in death by his brother, John "Jack" DeFrancisco and his beloved Chocolate Lab, Cali Ann. Services are private at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are entrusted to Morello Funeral Home Inc., 3720 Nicholas Street, Easton, PA (Palmer Twp.) Online condolences may be offered at www.morellofuneralhome.com In lieu of Flowers donations can be made to the Cancer Society, PO Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741 or The Center for Animal Health and Welfare, 1165 Island Park Road, Easton, PA 18042. To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Joseph Anthony DeFrancisco, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.

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Published by WFMZ-TV 69 News on Mar. 8, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Joseph DeFrancisco

10 Entries

Celia and Rel Pascoe

May 27, 2025

We just heard the sad news that Joe passed away in March. Our deepest condolences to the family. Joe was always ready with a good joke and we went to Joe's Fruit Market for many years. We will greatly miss him and keep him and the family in our prayers. God bless.

Theresa Weidner

May 13, 2025

I just heard about Joe´s passing. I´m so sorry. He was often mentioned between me and my husband because of his love for his Eagles. I will remember him for his Eagles sweatshirt, his charm, and his easy going conversations about flowers, Florida and life.

Nick Gatanis

May 12, 2025

I am so sorry to hear of Joe´s passing. My condolences and deepest sympathies.
I met Joe several years ago and provided him with cardboard trays to use at the fruit market. Upon meeting him, I learned he knew my father as well.
Rest in peace Mr DeFrancisco. You will be greatly missed.
Thoughts and prayers to the DeFrancisco Family & Friends.

Diane (Spadaccia) Krebs

May 9, 2025

I have been going to Joe's Fruit Market for years to buy my flowers. He was a very nice man who always greeted me with a smile and a hello. I was saddened to hear he passed. RIP

Debbie Spadaccia

May 9, 2025

I recently started going to Joe's stand on 191 in Bethlehem Township and he had the most beautiful flowers. I also found out he was related to my childhood friend. I am so sorry to see of his passing. God Bless him and may he rest in peace.

Susan McLaughlin

May 4, 2025

I was Joe's companion for almost 12 years. He was the most loving, and kind man. We shared a lifetime of happiness together. Our time was too short but I'm fortunate to have spent the time we had together and that he chose to have spent his last days with me. Rest easy my love.

Barbara and George Scherer

March 13, 2025

We knew Joe for many years when he had his fruit, veggie and flower stand on the Nazareth Pike. We would kid each other every time we saw him. He had the best fruits and veggies, as well as beautiful flowers. We also know his daughter Jody and her husband Mike as well. Condolences to all of his family and we pray for peace and comfort for them now and in the days to come. He is now in Heaven with his wife. Blessings to all of you.

Joni Schmidt

March 13, 2025

My condolences to the family of Joe.
He was our neighbor growing up and I saw him occasionally at the stand.
May God's arms surround the family at this most difficult time.

Tom, Ellie, Marty

March 10, 2025

Dear Kim, Lori, Jody and Family,

Our heartfelt condolences go out to you and your family.
May you look back on the precious memories and find peace in knowing that your father raised an amazing family.
Keeping Joe in my thoughts and prayers.

Warmly, Tom, Ellie, Marty ODonnell

Bonnie Keel

March 9, 2025

I met Joe through Sue. He was such a fun loving person and caring. He loved the cats and my dog and she loved him. We would stop by and visit and he kept treats for her. He will be missed. Condolences to the family.

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