Obituary of Joseph Richard Defazio (1924-2014)The Dallas Morning News, Sunday, October 26, 2014
DEFAZIO, Joseph R. Beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away on October 22, 2014 at the age of 90. Always a hard worker, he also loved having fun, especially playing golf, and enjoyed sharing jokes with most everyone he met. Joe was born in Baltimore, Maryland, the oldest child of Mildred and Samuel Defazio. He served as a B17 navigator in WWII and was active stateside during the Korean War. He met and married Billie Dean in Houston, Texas and they later settled in Dallas. Joe worked as a salesman, then district manager for the Carborundum Company for many years. A devout Catholic, Joe was a longtime member of St. Pius X Parish, where he volunteered as a JV football coach, leading his teams to many championships. Billie's passing after 47 years of marriage was difficult for Joe, but he was fortunate to find love again with Karolyn Pepper. He and Karolyn shared many interests, especially traveling, playing golf and watching sports. Joe was also preceded in death by four siblings. In addition to wife, Karolyn, he is survived by children Joseph, Jr. (Peggy), Susan (Neil Farukhi) and grandchildren, Douglas Farukhi and Sam and Jay Defazio; step-daughters, Emily (Scott Whitzel), Kate (Phil Godwin) and their children, Riley Barnes, Harrison, Molly, Matthew and Charlie Whitzel and Garrett, Grayson and Ella Grace Godwin. Visitation Tuesday, October 28, 2014 from 6-8 PM with a Vigil at 7 PM at the funeral home. Memorial Mass 2 PM Wednesday, October 29, 2014 at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 3030 Gus Thomasson Road in Dallas.
SPARKMAN-CRANE
FUNERAL HOME
10501 Garland Road
327-8291 361-7111
