Joseph DeFranco

Joseph "Joe" DeFranco, 90, passed away at his home in New Providence, PA on Saturday March 1, 2025. Born in Paterson NJ, to the late Jack and Marie, he grew up in Flemington, New Jersey. Joe's wife is Elaine DeFranco, from Alpha NJ, whom he has been married to for 65 years.

Joe served in the Navy from 1952 to 1972, during his time Joe was stationed in Korea, Republic of Vietnam, Midway Island, Panama Canal, Puerto Rico, Texas, also worked as Assistant Officer in Charge of Naval Support to The State Dept, in Washington D.C. to name a few. He retired from the Navy in February of 1972 while living in Rhode Island.

After retiring from the Navy, Joe continued to work for numerous contractors, as a Construction Manager moving his family with him. He eventually ended up working on the Chesapeake City, MD bridge relocating his family to Lancaster County, PA in 1978, he continued to move till he fully retired and moved back to Lancaster County, PA. Even in retirement Joe kept busy. In 1987 Joe started the Seabee Island X 5 unit in Lancaster, PA, one of the many accomplishments of the Island, was going to Long Beach, MS a couple of times to assist in Katrina recovery efforts, which Joe and his wife traveled with the group and worked in helping rebuild. In 1971 he helped coordinate an auction to raise funds for the Seabee Scholarship committee, then became a Delegate of the Selection Board in 1998, where he would go to Washington D.C. yearly to delegate funds for the Scholarship Selection. Joe kept busy with many charitable organizations, including Milagro House, a shelter for homeless women with children, Elks Club, St. Joseph Church in Lancaster and other charities.

Besides his wife, Joe is survived by his daughters Denise Strandell wife of Robert, Sebastion Beach, FL, Colleen DeFranco of Millersville, PA his son Jack DeFranco of Quarryville, PA. Grandchildren Crystal Cruz, John Mohler, Jessica Strandell, Heather Watkins, Krystal Westwood, Ashley DeFranco and Ryan Fahnestock, fourteen great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son Thomas DeFranco and brother Lou DeFranco.

Family and friends may visit with the family for a drop in celebration of life on March 22 at the Elks Club 219 N. Duke St. Lancaster PA 17602 from 3-6pm. Kindly omit flowers, contributions may be made to a charity of your choice.