DiFrancesco, 98, Died March 22, 2020.
Raymond,AKA Big Ray, was born in Yonkers November 23,1921 to the late Lino & AnnaMaria DiFrancesco. He is predeceased by his brother Renato DiFrancesco, sister-in-law Frances DiFrancesco, sister Antoinette D’Andraia and brothers-in-law Rocco D’Andraia, Dario Antenucci and Armondo Carozza, nephews Raymond DiFrancesco, Philip Rodano, and Anthony D’Andraia and niece Doria Barone.
Big Ray is survived by his wife Barbara ‘Jackie’, son Raymond DiFrancesco Jr. (Dyane), daughter GiGi Mancini (Orlando) and son John Mills (Tess), grandchildren John Mills Jr., Louis Mancini (Ronni). Frank Ciafardini (Alicia), Deanna Zirolnik (Andrew), Christopher Mills, Jennifer Mills, Ray Ray DiFrancesco (Fiance’ Kelsey Flaherty), and Brianna DiFrancesco, along with 4 great grandchildren Gia, Giovanni, Marco and Frankie, brother Romolo DiFrancesco, sisters Lena DiFrancesco Helen Antenucci, Norma Carozza and many nieces and nephews.
Big Ray graduated from Saunders Trade and Technical School in Yonkers before being drafted in WW11 August 1942 where he served in the United States Army Air Force flying in a B17. He was honorably discharged December 24,1945 after receiving the World War 11 Victory Medal and Good Conduct Medal. In 1946 after the war Ray and 5 other fellow veterans formed the McArthur Boy Sports Social Club 7th Ward on School Street, later calling it the Yonk-heers Club for more than 60 years. Also in 1946, Ray joined local 235 Westchester Mason Tenders Union where he worked mainly in New York City retiring after 43 years and then spending all of his time gardening at the club and weekends ‘up the country’ with his wife, kids and grandkids.
Respectfully we understand with the restrictions due to COVD-19 so funeral services will be private. Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time.
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