John DiFrancesco, of Medford, formerly of the West End, died Thursday at home in the company of his loving family. He was 83.
Mr. DiFrancesco was born and raised in Boston’s West End, the son of the late Angelo and the late Francesca (DiGregorio) DiFrancesco. He served in the Marine Corps during World War II and reached the rank of Sargeant. He participated in combat against the Japanese at IwoJima as part of the 5th Marine’s Division. In the 1950’s, John earned some fame as a champion power lifter. For 30 years he worked as a meat formulator at the former New England Packing Company (NEPCO), untill his retirement.
He was the beloved husband of the late Edith (D’Angelo). He was a devoted father to John DiFrancesco and his wife Denise, Stephen DiFrancesco and his wife Lisa, all of Burlington. He was a loving grandfather to John, Michael, Anthony and James. He was a dear brother of Tina Fiorello, Josephine Dipillo, Marion Barry, the late Eugene DiFrancesco and Angela Keefe. He was a dear friend of the late Rita Caswell.
John’s funeral will be from the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., Medford, Monday at 9 AM followed by a funeral mass celebrated in St. Clement Church, 71 Warner Street, Medford, at 10 AM. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours Sunday 4 - 8. Services will conclude with burial at Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made if John’s name to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, 10 Brookline Place West, Floor 6, Brookline, MA 02445-9924.