Obituary of Jim DeFranco

James “Jim” DeFranco, age 80, of Penfield, NY, rode off into the sunset on Monday, December 11th 2023, leaving behind a vast legacy of love and laughter.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Elizabeth (Beth/My Bride). He is also survived by his sisters, Sandra Henson and Kathy Garner, brother-in-law, Hobart Henson, daughters, Andrea Guarino (Peanut) and Pamela DeFranco (Pumpkin), son-in-law, Alex Kersnick, and grandsons (Bubbas), Cole Guarino and Owen Kersnick. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, Vincent “Jim” and Concetta “Rose” DeFranco, father-in-law, William “Bill” Andres, Jr., mother-in-law, Martha “Mickie” Andres, brother-in-law, Clair Garner, nephew, Hobart “Hobie” Henson and many aunts and uncles.

Jim was born on August 14th, 1943, in Niagara Falls, NY and later moved to Portageville or “P-ville,” NY with his family, where he earned the lifelong nickname, “Patch.” He volunteered his service in the United States Navy from 1963-67 and later put his technical skills to work at Rochester Telephone. There he met Beth, the love of his life, sparking an indelible romance that defied the odds against their union and management positions. They married in 1980, moved to their beloved Penfield home in 1981, and began their family in 1982.  

A man of minimal needs and distinctive tastes, Jim loved, in no particular order, eating at the table with family and friends, Wild Turkey and a cigar, almost anything on AM radio, using his dry wit to make you question whether he was teasing or not, swim-up bars during beach vacations, old TCM movies and westerns he’d already seen “just about 100 times,” naps in his recliner, crosswords at the kitchen table, Italian foods, Tom Clancy novels, and above all, spending time with his family, especially his grandsons or “the boys”.

Jim had an energy that felt like a warm hug, a sweet and gentle soul who was kind to anyone he encountered. He loved unconditionally, listened intently, and, without hesitation, put others’ needs above his own. 

Jim never lost his one-of-a-kind sense of humor - even in his final days - and had one last singing message for us: “toot-toot-tootsie, goodbye!” 

Funeral service will be held at St. Joseph’s Church on Monday, December 18th at 10am. A celebration of Jim’s life will follow immediately after in the St. Joseph’s reception hall. Jennings, Nulton & Mattle Funeral Home will be handling the funeral arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to assist disabled at Veterans Compeer Corp/OASIS, 259 Monroe Avenue, Rochester, NY 14610, or the Veterans Outreach Center of Rochester. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to all who have sent an outpouring of love in many different forms. Jim’s love is felt far and wide.