John DiFrank

John DiFrank entered The Kingdom of Heaven with his family by his side on September 11, 2014. He was a man who could light up the room with his presence and was known for his generosity and selflessness.

John was born on November 18, 1932 in Buffalo, New York. He was the son of Sicilian immigrants, Joseph and Marianna. His father came to the U.S. alone at the age of sixteen and soon returned to Europe to fight in the first World War, which earned his citizenship. John grew up in a big, loving Italian family as the youngest of four children. No matter how tight the budget, there was always enough sauce in the pot to share with anyone who stopped by. In High School, John excelled in track and football, earning a scholarship to college. His studies were interrupted when he was drafted into the Army, where he served from 1954 through 1956, followed by reserve duty until 1962. Stationed in Fort Hood, Texas, John and the love of his life, Betty-Lou, never imagined Texas would become their final home. After his military service, John returned to The State University of New York at Brockport and worked the night-shift at Kodak, to earn his degree in 1958.

He became a science teacher and coach, and later sold insurance part-time in order to make ends meet. John began his State Farm Agency career in Brockport, New York in 1960. Once settled in Texas, John achieved standing in The President’s Club three separate years, and retired in 2001. John and Betty-Lou loved to travel and visited every continent at least once! As a devoted family man, John cherished vacations for the experience of travel, but especially to see the excited smiles on his family’s faces. John also believed in the value of an education and supported his family throughout their academic endeavors.

John’s spirit will be carried on by his wife of 62 years, Betty-Lou; daughters, Denise Jungels and husband, Jerry; Brenda Moore and husband, Paul; son John Brian DiFrank and wife, Donna; grandchildren Heather Moore Saenz and husband, David Saenz; Amber Jungels, Kyle Jungels, Jack DiFrank, and Lily DiFrank; and great-grandchildren, David and Gianna Saenz.

A Celebration of Life with family and friends will be held on Sunday, September 21, 2014 at 12:30 p.m. at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home.