Obituaries
Joseph George DeFrank, 67
July 12, 2019
Joe DeFrank, 67, of Ephrata, PA passed away in hospice care the morning of Friday, July 12 with his eldest son, Mason, by his side.
Born in Philadelphia, June 2, 1952 and raised in Palmyra, New Jersey. Known to his peers as Boomer in his youth, Joe attended Sacred Heart Catholic School and Sacred Heart Parish in Riverton, NJ and then Palmyra High School where he graduated in 1970.
A seeker of wisdom and truth he traveled the country widely living in several places including; California, Colorado, Murphysboro, IL, New York City, throughout Southern New Jersey and later Sante Fe, NM.
As a young father Joe returned to his roots calling Palmyra and Riverton home helping to raise his 5 sons in the area where he grew up. A well-liked and active member of his church and community Joe touched the lives of many. Volunteering with young people in the area he spent several years as a Catechist for Sacred Heart Parish, a position he took seriously and was dear to his heart. He also spent many years as a youth sports coach with the Palmyra-Riverton Athletic Association including coaching his son Adam and team to an undefeated regional soccer championship in 1990.
Joe retired from a career as a Teamster in the Philadelphia area. He was proud of being in a union and working to provide for his family. A life-long musician and lover of music, a gift he shared with friends and family. A scholar of astrology and theology. A student of naturopathic healing and medicine. He loved learning and he loved sharing. Most of all he loved his family.
Joseph was predeceased by his father Stephen DeFrank and mother Rose (Staiano), sister Margaret (Joseph) Wakeley, brothers Anthony and Stephen (Shirley), and his youngest son Daniel.
He is survived and will be remembered by his four living sons; Mason (Julia), Adam, Stephen (Sarah) and Michael; and 9 grandchildren; Lillian, Georgia, Ruby, Mason, Aiden, McAllister, Dylan, Noah and Noble. All of whom he loved dearly and brought him great joy.
A funeral mass will be held 11:00AM Saturday, July 20 at Sacred Heart Church, 103 Fourth St. Riverton, NJ.
Arrangements entrusted to Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA 17543. 717-560-5100
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Condolences to the Family
July 19, 2019
I’m Robert Crowther I lived on a farm in Mt. LAUREL NJ and was the leader of a band Joe played electric violin. He was a great friend and a Moody Blues follower. We did Acid many times and he was a very funny guy at these events.
Joe, I’ll see you on the Funway and remember to keep your hands to yourself!!!
Love & Hugs,
Robert and the boys in the Band
July 19, 2019
Joe, what a great friend to have you in our lives. So much fun we shared through the years. To your family we send our love, thoughts, & prayers letting them know that they are truly blessed to have had such a wonderful man to call Father, Grandfather in their lives. Rest well dear friend, till we meet again.
Sue ( nee Frank) & Tom Holcomb formerly Palmyra/Delran Now TN
July 19, 2019
As one of Joe’s teachers at Palmyra High School, I still remember him very well after all these decades past. He was truly a product of the Vietnam War protest era-highly independent, well spoken, very bright and not willing to be manipulated by “conventional wisdom.” Always enjoyed our debates in class; his sons must be very proud of their dad. Keep searching for the truth, Joe.
July 18, 2019
Sad to see that a life was cut so short. We all have quite a lot of good memories with Boomer, he hung around with many friends. He was well liked and now will be missed. Rest in peace Joe.
Robert White
July 18, 2019
Sorry to hear this. Joe was a good guy, always smiling, very positive. We shared June 2 as our Birthday. Fred Nelson Crisfield, Maryland.. retired Acme driver..
July 18, 2019
Joe De Frank aka ” Boomer” was a popular , well-known member of Palmyra HS Glad that Joe had a full life
== but it got cut too short. I will never forget Joe. He was cool in school and I wanted to be like him My prayers for comfort go out too all who are close to him.He did many things in life. A lot too be remmbered. Peace to all of us. Sure is sad news. But Joe DeFrank left his mark. Thanks Joe Tom Marvin
July 18, 2019
To Mason, Adam, Stephen and Michael and your families – Jeff and I will miss your dad always. Our thoughts are with you and your families!!! Rest in peace Boomer! We love you!!!
Harriet Summers
- Services
- Saturday, July 20, 2019
- 11:00 AM
- Sacred Heart Church
- 103 Fourth St.
- Riverton, NJ
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