SALEM – Salvatore “Sam” T. DeFranco, 86, of Salem, the loving husband of Mary "Mickey" (Kobialka) DeFranco, died Wednesday, August 31, 2016 at the Kaplan Family Hospice House, Danvers surrounded by his family.
Born in Salem, he was the loving son of the late Francisco and Angelina (Amenta) DeFranco. Sam was a Korean Conflict era veteran who served in US Navy. After his service, he was employed for many years as a service manager who specialized in x-ray equipment installations and servicing.
Sam was a handyman who enjoyed cement work and wood work.
Sam enjoyed traveling and dancing with his wife "Mickey" with whom he shared 63 years of marriage. The two spent many winters in Florida surrounded by family and friends. Sam also enjoyed trips to Saratoga with his three sons. He enjoyed bringing his family and friends together and organized many family reunions and cookouts with his friends who he lovingly called his "gang." He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and was a loving nephew who cared for his predeceased aunts and uncles. Sam taught everyone around him the importance of family.
A lifelong resident of Salem, he was an active member of the Christopher Columbus Society in Salem and the ICC in Beverly.
Besides his wife, he is survived by son and daughter-in-law, Edward and Gloria DeFranco of Peabody, daughter and son-in-law Donna and Ed Seligman of Swampscott, daughter and son-in-law Kathleen and Arthur Sargent of Salem, son, Paul DeFranco of Peabody, son and daughter-in-law Frank and Heidi DeFranco of Salem along with 11 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. He is also survived by sisters Rose Gardner, Dorothy Firl, and Anne Farinelli; brothers Joe and Charlie DiFranco and several brother-in-laws, sister-in-laws, cousins, nieces, and nephews - including special cousin and friends Ray and Nancy DiTroia and the Laaff Family. He was predeceased by his brothers Carmelo and Paul DiFranco.
His funeral service will be held Tuesday, September 6, 2016 at 9 am from the Full-Spychalski Funeral Home, 84 Washington Square East, by Salem Common, Salem, followed by a funeral Mass at 10 am at the St. Thomas the Apostle Church, Route 114, North St., Salem at the Peabody city line. Visiting hours are Monday, 4 to 8 pm at the funeral home. Burial is in St. Mary Cemetery, Salem. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. For those who desire, donations may be made in his memory to Care Dimensions, 75 Sylvan Street, Suite B-102, Danvers, MA 01923. For on line guest book, visit www.SalemFuneral.com.