Roy DeFranco, Sr.

It is with great sadness that we mourn the peaceful passing of Roy DeFranco Sr. after a valiant battle with pancreatic cancer on June 7, 2022, at the age of 77.

Roy was born in Paterson, NJ on March 7, 1945, to Philip and Gertrude (nee Tschopp). He moved to Wayne, NJ with his family when he was 13. He was graduated from Wayne Senior H.S in 1962. After high school Roy enlisted in the US Naval Reserve and after graduating in 1966 from Paterson State College, now known as William Paterson University, he served two years active duty in the Navy based in Norfolk, VA. Roy was very patriotic and proud to be a veteran. He supported veterans throughout his life.

Roy began his teaching career in Pequannock Township where he taught social studies for 18 years. During his time in Pequannock Township, he continued his education and received his M. ED from Seton Hall University. He then furthered his education at Montclair University receiving several more educational certifications.  In 1987 his career took a turn when he took a position with the Hopatcong Board of Education working in the central office and subsequently became the high school principal. He remained in that position until he retired from education in 2001.

After his retirement from education Roy was fortunate to have a second career with Catholic Charities. He became the development director for the Department of Persons with Disabilities. This position was lifechanging. Roy was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Fr. Francis Koch Council 6343 in Echo Lake, NJ for almost 50 years and he was a Past Grand Knight. Being strongly influenced by the United States Navy, Roy became a member of the Naval Order of the United States, New York Commandry where he held the position of treasurer.

Roy met the love of his life, Linda, in 1966 in the A&P where they were both working during their college years. They were married four years later on April 18, 1970. They settled in Parsippany and then Wayne and after their sons, Roy and Matthew, were born they moved to West Milford where they remained for the rest of their 52 year marriage. Roy was a devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather.  Nothing was more important to him or brought him more joy than his family and spending time with them. He was extremely proud of his sons and the men they became.

Roy is survived by his wife Linda (nee Bufardeci) of West Milford, two sons, Roy DeFranco Jr. and his wife Stephanie of Astoria, Queens, and Matthew DeFranco and his wife Camille of Pompton Plains, his grandchildren Lucia, Amelia, Rocco , and Cameron, his brother Philip and his wife Randee, and his sister-in-law Andrea Cardelfe and her husband Scott.

Roy was a truly special person who touched the lives of countless people. He will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Roy’s name may be made to Catholic Charities, Department for Persons with Disabilities, 1 Catholic Charities Way, PO Box 2539 Oak Ridge, NJ 07438 http://https://ccpaterson.org/dpd, or Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 84 Presentation Way, New Windsor, NY 12553 http://www.sistersofthepresentation.org