Dominic Anthony DeFranks age 95 passed away early Sunday morning, August 5, 2012 at Partners of Marion.
He was born August 4, 1917 in Montenerodomo, Italy to Rose and Carmine DeFranks. Dominic and his family moved to Brownsville, Pennsylvania when he was three.
He grew up in the great depression, the second of five boys and often took care of his baby twin brothers and helped in the kitchen. It is there that his love for cooking developed.
In 1942 Dominic enlisted in the Army Signal Corps, he was a cook in the army that joined forces with Patton's and swept through North Africa, Sicily, Italy and lastly Nice, France where he met and married his lovely wife, Leonie. They were wed 67 years.
Over fifty years ago an Army friend and his French wife, Al and Josette Davis beckoned him to Marion for work where he worked in industry. Later he worked and retired from the school system.
After retirement Dominic returned once again to cooking, growing a garden, and taking trips with Leonie, in particularly to Arizona to visit their two daughters.
Dominic was preceded in death by parents Rose and Carmine, daughter Rosianne DeFranks, older brother Pete, sisters in law Minerva and Donna DeFranks. He is survived by his wife Leonie, daughter Joelle DeFranks (fiance Larry Wallace) of Tucson, brothers Steve (Betty), Jim(Tony) DeFranks , and sister in law Philomena DeFranks. Also brothers and sisters in law in France along with a number of nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews on both sides of the Atlantic.
Dominic had a great work ethic and was a good provider.
Family will receive friends from 4:00 pm until 6:00 pm Wednesday, August 8, 2012 at Gunder/Hall & Folk Funeral Directors. A Funeral Mass will be held Thursday, August 9, 2012 at St Mary Church with Father Dwayne McNew officiating. Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.gunderhallandfolk.com
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