Albert Anthony DeFazio, devoted to family
Albert Anthony DeFazio, who we all knew simply as “Al,” of Bethany Beach suffered a severe heart attack Oct. 20, and passed from this life Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2018, the day of his 47th wedding anniversary to his devoted wife Earlene. Al was preceded in death by his father, Anthony DeFazio in 1981 and his mother, Frances DeFazio (nee Rossi) in 2007.
Al was 72, and born in Scranton, Pa., Oct. 6, 1946. He was a graduate of Scranton Central High School, the University of Scranton, and George Mason University. He served two years in the U.S. Army with an honorable discharge. Al met Earlene in Silver Spring, Md., where they married Oct. 23, 1971. Along with his loving wife Earlene, Al is survived by their son Brian DeFazio, and Brian’s children Erin and Dominick; their daughter Terri DeFazio and her husband Philip Jordan, and their daughter Lillian (Lily); and his brother Joe DeFazio and his wife Sonya Davis.
Throughout his life, Al was known for many different things to many different people - he was a youth football coach, a financial professional, a race car guy, a spin instructor, a golfer, a VFW volunteer, but most importantly, he was a loving father and devoted husband. The one thing that characterized Al best was a fierce and tenacious love of family. His “family first” dedication was always assuring there was no one more important to him than his family, and they always felt his deep love. He was a doting grandfather, and enjoyed nothing more than spending time with his grandchildren Erin, Dominick and Lily.
Al enjoyed his 17 years living in Bethany Beach. He arrived as a “come here” but departed as a caring neighbor, devoted friend and Bethany Beach native. Al most enjoyed his days at World Gym Bethany Beach as a fitness trainer and spin instructor until he no longer felt he could perform to his own high expectations. He was a casual golfer, and had hopes of becoming “not too bad,” but his VFW pals were happy to ignore his shortcomings with his golf game in exchange for his good company. Al was a loyal New York Giants fan, and most will remember his infamous NYG hat that he frequently wore around town.
In an effort to honor Al’s life, his family will host a celebration of life Saturday, Nov. 17, at 1:30 p.m., at Ocean View Presbyterian Church Memorial Hall, 67 Central Ave., Ocean View. In lieu of flowers, his family requests that donations be made in his honor to VFW Post 7234, 29265 Marshy Hope Way, Ocean View, DE 19970, or to Ocean View Presbyterian Church.
Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.melsonfuneralservices.com
