Gerald M. DeFina, of Santa Barbara, CA, formerly of Medford and Cape Cod, died Tuesday June 10, after a long illness. He was 70.
Born and raised in Medford, he was the son of the late Michael V. and the late Alice G. (Carew) DeFina. Gerald graduated from Malden Catholic High School, St. John’s Seminary and Boston College. After finishing college, Gerald served in the Army Reserve.
At that time he embarked in a 40 year career in human services. He was a teacher, social worker and mentor to children, families and people at the end of life. He worked at the Department of Youth Services and the Department of Social Services here in Massachusetts and was awarded the Commonwealth Citation for his outstanding performance in 1986. Gerald lived on the Cape, mostly in Eastham for 15 years before moving to Santa Barbara 20 years ago.
Music was an integral part of His life. He was a gifted not only as an instrumentalist but as a vocalist as well. He was an accomplished pianist and composed many pieces. Throughout his life he was a member of many musical organizations including; the Boston Crusaders Drum and Bugle Corps, St. Joseph Grenadiers, St. John Seminary Choir, Worcester Chorus, Chatham Chorale, Cape Cod Conservatory Wind Ensemble and most recently the Santa Barbara Choral Society, Santa Barbara Community College Concert Band and was a founding member of Bottom Line Brass.
He was the beloved father of Nancy A. DeFina of NH, AnnMarie DeFina of Boston and Michael F. DeFina of CA. He was a loving grandfather to Chandra L. Foss and her husband Lance and Sydney A. O’Brien all of NH, a loving great-grandfather to Kareina E. Foss. He was the dear brother of John DeFina of Medford, James DeFina and his wife Carol of Canada. He was the uncle of Rachel A. DeFina of Canada. He also leaves several aunts and cousins.
A funeral service will be conducted in the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., Medford, Saturday, June 21 at 1:00 PM. And may visit with the family ½ hour prior to the service.