Andrew J. “Andy” DeFrancesco, Sr., 73 of Medford, died Monday unexpectedly in the Lawrence Memorial Hospital, Medford, MA.

Born in Boston, he lived in Medford for the past 35 years and was the son of the Angelina (Giacobbe) and Joseph DeFrancesco.

Andrew was a Deaf person and at the age of 3 he attended the Beverly School for the Deaf. He was able to lip read and sign in English Sign Language and then to American Sign Language. Andy was a Technician for 34 years with the former Instrumental Lab in Lexington and retired in 2001. Andrew was very involved in the Deaf Catholic Community in Newton. He was Vice President for the Deaf Catholic Council for the Archdiocese of Boston. He played hockey for the American Deaf Hockey League and enjoyed bowling, skiing, snowmobiling and golf. Andrew was a member of the Boston and Revere Deaf Club and attended many social events with the New England Home for the Deaf.

The beloved husband of Emma (Humby). He was a devoted father to Andrew J. DeFrancesco Jr. and his wife Deanna of Bellingham. Loving grandfather of David and Danielle. Brother of the late Rose Kauker. Also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a funeral mass celebrated in Sacred Heart Parish, 1317 Centre St., Newton Center, on Saturday February 16 at 10 AM. Visiting hours have respectfully been omitted and interment will be at a later date.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be sent in Andrew’s name to the Boston Deaf Apostolate, 66 Brooks Dr., Braintree, MA 02184.