Anthony J. "Tony" DeFranco

ANTHONY J. “TONY” DEFRANCO, age 99, slipped away quietly on Saturday, August 16, eight days from his 100th birthday. Beloved husband of the late Marilyn (nee Remer); cherished son of the late Antonio and Filomena “Ella” (nee Frabotta); dearest brother of the late Carl, John “Jack”, Pasqual “Pat” and Leonard; dear uncle, great-uncle and friend of many. WWII U.S. Army Veteran.

Born and raised at E. 105 Street and Frank Avenue, he attended Benedictine High School before dropping out to volunteer for the Army in World War II.

Tony fought across France under General Patton in the 358th Infantry and was part of the group amassed to invade Germany in December, 1944. Instead, in response to a last-gasp offensive, they made a 90-degree turn to successfully relieve the besieged soldiers in Bastogne, Belgium at the Battle of the Bulge; later in life Tony would reveal little about his time during the fighting except for the love of his fallen brothers-in-arms. Being a younger soldier at the War’s end, Tony was one of the last to leave Allied-occupied lands for home and shared his kindness caring for children of our former enemies that were tragically impacted by the War.

After the War, Tony spent time at the night life spots on “short” Vincent Avenue and loved watching hockey games at the Euclid Avenue Arena (Cleveland Arena). Tony joined the Building Laborers Local 310, where he was a respected, contributing member for over 55 years. In 1955, Tony married Marilyn, the love of his life, who preceded him in death 17 years ago, and whom Tony loved until his last breath.

Tony’s friends and neighbors, who cared for him with great love in his later years, will miss Tony and greatly appreciate the contributions he and his generation made to our country.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Tony to Smile Train at https://www.smiletrain.org/ or K9 Heroes 4 Heroes at https://k9heroes4heroes.com/ .

Prayers of Christian Burial Friday, August 22, 2025 at 10AM at THE FUNERAL HOME. Entombment following with Military Honors at All Souls Cemetery. Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Tony at THE DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF WILLOUGHBY HILLS, 28890 CHARDON ROAD (between Bishop Rd. and Rt. 91) FRIDAY MORNING 9-10AM.