Obituary of Charles M. DeFranco

Charles M. DeFranco March 04, 1928 - June 23, 2009 Charles M. DeFranco, age 81, of Danbury, devoted husband of Sue Ann (Russo) DeFranco, died at Danbury Hospital on Tuesday, June 23rd. He was born in Georgetown on March 4, 1928, son of the late Salvatore and Filipina (Ancona) DeFranco. He was a graduate of Danbury High School and the Hart School of Music in Hartford. Charlie DeFranco is survived by his beloved wife SueAnn, his two sons, Sam DeFranco of Stamford, and Dr. David DeFranco of Milan Italy, his three daughters, Nina Kilcourse and her husband Walter of Bethel, Lauren DeFranco-Osher and her husband Shaun of Sands Point, LI, and Susan O'Callaghan and her husband Shannon of Fairfield, and his 12 grandchildren. Mr. DeFranco was truly the heart and soul of his entire family and his passing is an enormous and devastating loss. Mr. DeFranco was a vibrantan and dedicated family man, who devoted his life to his wife and children. He was the quintessential husband and father. Charlie loved people and had a passion for living. He was an accomplished musician, and a lover of music, especially jazz. Mr. DeFranco played several instruments including the clarinet, saxaphone, and the bass. He was proud to play in various bands with Peter "D", Dom D'Armento, Danny Tracy and entertained at many venues, including the Stonehenge, Jim Barbaries, and the Don Morrow club in the Hamptons. Charles DeFranco was a Veteran of the Korean War, serving with the United States Army in Germany and Paris. He was also a member of the Army Band . Mr. DeFranco also had a passion for cars, and owned and operated DeFranco Ford & Subaru in Mahopac, DeFranco Dodge in Peekskill and was the past vice president of Georgetown Motors. He was a parishioner of St. Peters Church in Danbury where he served as a Eucharistic Minister. He was a Justice of the Peace and presided over many marriages. He was also a founding member of the Redding Country Club, and was also a member of the Danbury Zoning Commission. Charles is also survived by his sister Grace of Southington and many neices and nephews. He was predeceased by his two brothers, Russell and Nana DeFranco; and his sister, Phyllis Garavel. Charles' immediate family ask that he be remembered for his loving spirit, contagious smile; a special man who had the ability to light up a room and make people laugh. Funeral Information A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, June 27th at 10:30am at St. Peter Church in Danbury. Interment will follow in St. Peter Mausoleum. The family will receive friends at the Cornell Memorial Home, 247 White Street, Danbury, on Friday evening between the hours of 5:00 and 8:00pm. Donations Information In lieu of flowers, memorial Contributions in his memory may be made to St. Peter Church, 104 Main Street, Danbury, CT 06810.