Martin DeFrancisco died suddenly on Thursday, April 21, 2016. Marty entertained and was loved by all who were blessed enough to know him. Marty was the wit of the gathering. Whether the mood was festive or somber, Marty’s one-line quips softened the situation and brought people to laughter and togetherness.
Marty moved to Andover as a very young child and loved our town. He attended the Andover Public Schools and participated in Andover sports. He especially loved baseball; he was a member of the Andover High School Varsity team, and continued to play as an original member of the Andover Shockers.
Marty was the consummate townie. He had many loyal and lifelong friends, many of whom he met in kindergarten, and all of whom have been together through thick and thin. These wonderful men have been a great and loving source of consolation to his family.
Marty loved music. He enjoyed attending concerts with his friends and family. Marty was an excellent bass player. He was invited to play and tour with live bands, but preferred the peace of playing in the basement, accompanying the cds of his favorite bands to the delight of all those in the house.
Marty was an avid sports fan, and a proud and meticulous fantasy baseball and football player. He could be caught adjusting his lineup everywhere, including in church. But that certainly made watching games with Marty more interesting. He was a passionate Red Sox fan, and to the irritation of all but his father, a New York Football Giants fan.
Marty is survived by his mom and dad, Mark and Mary (Trombly) DeFrancisco; his sister, Jessica Henclewood, Jessie’s husband Dwayne, and their child – and Marty’s Godchild – Anthony; his brother, Justin, who though 8 years younger than Marty, became a very close friend and fantasy sports opponent, and for whom Marty paid all the entry fees; his aunt and Godmother, Peggy Trombly, his grandmother, Lisa DeFrancisco, and many, many aunts, uncles and cousins.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Marty’s life by gathering for calling hours on Thursday, April 28th, from 3:00 until 8:00 p.m. at St. Augustine Church, 43 Essex Street, Andover, Massachusetts and for his Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, April 29th at 9:00 a.m. also at St. Augustine’s.
Marty loved babies and children, especially his beloved Godson, Anthony. Therefore, in lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Pregnancy Care Center, 496 Main Street, Haverhill, Massachusetts 01830.