Salem — Mr. Anthony J. DeFranco, age 71, of Salem, formerly of Lynn, died Tuesday morning at his residence surrounded by his loving family after a three year battle with pancreatic cancer. He was the husband of Donna L. (MacComiskey) DeFranco, with whom he shared 47 years of marriage. Born and raised in New York City, he was the son of the late Anthony and Victoria (Rossi) DeFranco.
Tony was a graduate of Cardinal Hayes High School in New York City, Class of 1963. He received his Associate Degree from North Shore Community College, and had also completed courses at Bentley University. He had lived in Lynn for many years, and had resided in Salem since 2005.
Tony was the chief meter inspector for the Lynn Water and Sewer Commission for 20 years until his retirement in 2003. After his retirement, he worked part-time for the Lynn Item, and enjoyed interacting with the people of Lynn there. He was active with Campfire of the North Shore, and was a former member of the Board of Directors.
Tony enjoyed gardening, traveling and cooking, particularly Italian food. His friends and family were lucky to receive his frequent trays of lasagna. He loved a good laugh, and enjoyed telling stories about growing up in New York City, although he came to love his adopted hometown of Lynn. He loved to spend time with his circle of friends, and would do anything anyone asked of him. He was a devoted family man.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by two sons, David Anthony DeFranco and Adam DeFranco of Lynn, his brother, Frank DeFranco of Ellenton, Fla., as well as several cousins.
Service information: His funeral will be held on Saturday at 8 a.m., from the SOLIMINE FUNERAL HOME, 426 Broadway (Route 129), Lynn, followed by a funeral Mass in St. Pius V Church, Lynn, at 9 a.m. Burial will be in Pine Grove Cemetery. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. Visiting hours are Friday from 4-8 p.m. Those who prefer may make donations to Care Dimensions Hospice, 75 Sylvan St., Suite B-102, Danvers, MA 01923, or Mass General/North Shore Cancer Center, 102 Endicott St., Danvers, MA 01923. Directions and guest book at Solimine.com.