Frank A. DeStefano

Frank Anthony DeStefano passed peacefully on November 10, 2017 at Smilow Cancer Hospital in New Haven, surrounded by his family and friends. Frank was born in New Haven on March 21, 1954 to the late Francis Anthony and Nancy Barile DeStefano. His mother died when he was 8. After his father died in 1968, Frank was raised by his step-mother, Minnie Torello DeStefano. Growing up, Frank lived in New Haven and Hamden. After graduating from Hamden High School in 1973, he attended the Connecticut School of Electronics, graduating in the mid-1970s. An avid New York Yankees fan, Frank had a great affection for the game of baseball. He spent the greater part of his life playing softball, through which he gained many close friends. Following his ballplaying days, Frank continued his love of the game by coaching and umpiring for several years. He also found great joy in attending all of his children’s sporting events. Until his recent illness, Frank enjoyed working at the Hartford branch of the United States Postal Service. Frank is survived by his loving wife, Priscilla Woodbury DeStefano. High school sweethearts, the two dated for ten years before getting married in 1979. Frank also leaves three adoring children, whom he lovingly called his greatest accomplishments, Deanna (Matthew) Johnson, Frank DeStefano, and Christian DeStefano, all of North Haven. He was the proud “Poppy” of his two grandchildren, Amelia Inez Johnson and Charles Gray Johnson. He is also survived by his sister, Marie Spivey. He was predeceased by brothers Anthony and Salvatore DeStefano. Friends are invited to visit with Frank’s family at Beecher & Bennett Funeral Home, 2300 Whitney Avenue, Hamden on Wednesday, November 15th from 4-8pm. A funeral service will be held at Dunbar United Church of Christ, 767 Benham Street, Hamden on Thursday morning, November 16th at 11am. Burial will follow in Centerville Cemetery, Hamden. The DeStefano Family wishes to thank the fine medical teams who cared for Frank at Yale-New Haven Hospital, especially the NP12 nurses at Smilow Cancer Hospital and those from Regional Hospice. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be sent to help cancer research at the Smilow Cancer Hospital (www.rideclosertofree.org). To share a condolence with Frank’s family, please visit www.beecherandbennett.com.