Steven R. DeFrancesco Jr., age 92, passed calmly on March 7, 2024, at Brethren Care in Ashland, Ohio.
He was born on June 11, 1931, in Cleveland, Ohio, the son of Stephen R. DeFrancesco and Gladys (Letty) DeFrancesco.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brothers, Henry (Dori) DeFrancesco, Ernie (Betty) DeFrancesco, and Sister, Claire DeFrancesco VaxNorris.
Steve is survived by loving wife in marriage of 18 years, Fannie Kerr DeFrancesco, and four daughters (Mother, Mary Kay DeFrancesco) Laura Alexander (Dale), grandson Ryan (Kelly), Lisa Miller, grandson Andrew, granddaughter Rachel, Julia Appleby (Michael) grandsons, Austin(Lexie) and Jake(Maria), and Lydia Price (Michael), grandson Anthony and granddaughter, Haley.
Steve was among the graduating Class of 1950 at Collinwood High School in Cleveland, Ohio. He went on to attend Washington and Jefferson College in Washington, PA graduating in 1954 with double majors in Psychology (BS) and French (BA) with Honors Distinction. He was a member of the Phi Gamma Delta (Fiji) Fraternity. Steve completed Master Coursework at Case Western Reserve in Cleveland, Ohio and later received his Master’s Degree in Counseling from John Carroll University in University Heights, Ohio. He served his country during the Korean War and was stationed in Paris, France. He is a member of the American Legion. Steve spent 35+ years as an Educator with the Cleveland Board of Education. Steve was proficient in French and taught at various Cleveland Metropolitan High Schools and Cuyahoga Community College in Cleveland, sharing his passion for language and counseling high school and college aged students. He served an active role as a Recruitment Advisor for newly enlisted military candidates. Steve was active serving in the community as a Eucharistic Minister, a volunteer at St. Gregory the Great Parish, a member of the Knights of Columbus and was a current member of Millwood Church of Christ in Mount Vernon. Steve was a very talented carpenter, piano player and had a love for sports, travel and gardening.
Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, from 1:00 – 2:00 PM at Snyder Funeral Homes, Lasater Chapel, 11337 Upper Gilchrist Rd., Mount Vernon, Ohio 43050. A Service of Remembrance will follow at 2:00 PM. Burial Ceremony directly following in Mt. Vernon Memorial Gardens.
To express a condolence to the DeFrancesco family, please visit www.snyderfuneralhomes.com
Funeral Home: Snyder Funeral Homes, Lasater Chapel
Website: www.snyderfuneralhomes.com