Stephen J. DeFranco

Stephen J. DeFranco, 78, of Roseto, passed away Saturday, January 17, in Allentown, PA. Born in Roseto, PA., on February 13, 1947, he was the son of the late Frank and Antoinette ( Ruggiero ) DeFranco. Before retiring, Steve was employed by the former Bear Automotive and Waste Management. He was a member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, Roseto. Stephen served as SFC with the 25th Infantry of the US Army and earned the Bronze Star during the Vietnam War. Upon returning from Vietnam, Stephen was with the Pennsylvania National Guard for 26 years. He was a life member of the Martocci-Capobianco American Legion Post #750, Roseto. Stephen held many offices at the Post, including Commander for three terms and Adjutant for 11 years. He also organized the Honor Guard for the Post. In addition to his commitment to the Post 750, Steve was also active in the Northampton County American Legion, the 30th District, where he was Commander for two terms, and also served a term as the Department of Pennsylvania Eastern Vice Commander. Steve was also committed to NORCO American Legion Baseball and coached and managed the Roseto Legion Baseball team for 55 years. He received the Hall of Fame Award from the League and also from the State of Pennsylvania. He was a member of the 4018, the VFW, the Honorary First Defenders, and the Joint Veterans Council Forks of the Delaware. Steve received the Veteran of the Year Award this past November. He was a Drummer for the Bangor Yellow Jackets, the Roseto Chieftains, and the Wind Gap Blue Eagles, where he was a life member and awarded the Hall of Fame Award. He was a Member of the Society of the Baffone Club of the Legion. Steve was an Eagle Scout and a past Scout Leader of Troop # 36 of Roseto. An active member of the community, he served on the Roseto Park Board and the Roseto Helping Hands Steve is survived by his wife, Patricia DeFranco of Bangor, his children, Stephen and Suzanne DeFranco, Tanya and Anthony Russo, Domenick and Jessica DeFranco, a brother, Dominic, and Jean DeFranco, grandchildren, Daniel, Capri, and Apollo, niece Carrie, and Mario Consentino. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a brother, Frank, and a nephew, Kyle. Family and Friends may call on Thursday, January 22nd, from 6 to 8 PM ONLY at the Fiore Funeral Home, 230 Market Street, Bangor. There will be a Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, January 23rd at 11 AM in Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, Third & Garibaldi Avenues, Roseto. Burial with Military Honors will be in the New Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Roseto. Memorial Donations may be made to the Capobianco-Martocci American Legion Post 750, 141 Garibaldi Ave., Roseto, Pa 18013

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Stephen J. DeFranco

February 13, 1947 - January 17, 2026