It goes without saying that John dearly loved his family. His children and grandchildren occupied a place in his heart full of adoration and pride. 

But my fondest memory of John was that he possessed a great sense of humor and an infectious laugh. Many a time at family events he and I would engage in what some would consider to be fatuous humor. He would often bring me to tears with our shared jokes. The ability to make  people laugh is a special talent. Because it also makes people forget their problems and enjoy the moment. He had that ability.  Although Preston Epps and Bongo Rock will cease to have the same meaning, when the memories of John are recalled from time to time in the years ahead, it will be with laughter and a smile of appreciation for those days gone by. 

A POEM FOR MY BROTHER

I hold onto our memories. The ones that are so dear.
To try to keep you always close .Now you are not here.
You were called, it was your time. 
But it is so true you have left a legacy
There was no-one like you You were very special 
And I want to say
I feel lost in many ways. You are not here today
But I will never forget you
And I know I have been blessed
To have you for my brother 
Because you were the best.  
LOVE your sister, Cathy.


John was my second cousin through marriage. His wife, Janice is my dad’s first cousin. But I always viewed Janice and John as my aunt and uncle and Eric, Andrea, and Jason as my first cousins. 

I have nothing but fond memories of John. As far back as I can remember, John was always in my life. Whether it was birthday parties, holidays, or just hanging out at his house. 

It was a pleasure to be around John. He always made me laugh. And still does when I think of the things he would say and do. He would have us rolling at every party. He was the life of it. His laugh was infectious and would wear off on everyone else. When we would play poker, he would refer to a pair of queens as “ladies.” “I’ve got ladies.” My brother and I still use that line when we play cards. 

It was fun to be a fly on the wall when John, his brother-in-law, Bill and my dad would reminisce about doo-wop music. It expanded my musical knowledge that I normally wouldn’t have being born in ‘84. 

He would always take me with the family to Eric’s hockey tournaments. It’s where I learned about hockey and learned how to skate. I loved those trips to Arrowhead. 

When you look back and think of the people that you have shared your life with, the ones that can make you smile or laugh are the ones that have touched you the most. For me, John will always be one of those people. 

We called him Burt cause of his Burt Reynolds mustache. John was a great father, wonderful grandfather, loving husband, and an awesome cousin (uncle). I’m so very lucky he was in my life and I’ll miss him dearly. 

OBITUARY

John Joseph De Francesco

April 2, 1943 – January 29, 2022

Stone Funeral Home

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