Anthony S. DeFazio, 94, of Niagara Falls, NY died on Sunday July 26, 2009 at Schoellkopf Health Care Facility in Niagara Falls, NY. Born in Ramsey, PA he was the son of the late Leonardo and Grazia (Milazzo) DeFazio.

Anthony came to Niagara Falls, NY with his family in 1931. He attended schools in Ramsey, PA and later Niagara Falls, NY where he graduated from the former Trott Vocational High School in 1934. While at Trott he was a member of their varsity basketball team and football team which earned the City Championship title for the 1933-34 season. For a brief time following high school, he played semi-professional football in the Canadian Football League and also served in the Civilian Conservation Corp in Idaho. On June 19, 1937 Anthony married Rose (Bellavia) DeFazio at St. Joseph Church in Niagara Falls. For forty four years, Anthony worked as a machinist and foreman at Occidental Chemical Company formerly known as Oldbury and Hooker Chemical Company in Niagara Falls, NY until his retirement in 1981.

Anthony was a member of St. John De LaSalle Church in Niagara Falls and former member of the Holy Name Society. He was also a member of the John Duke Center Travel Club, a 4th Degree Member of the Knights of Columbus Council 247, both of Niagara Falls, NY, and served as a volunteer at Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center. Anthony's passion for sports continued throughout his lifetime. Early on he participated in various industrial basketball, bowling and golf leagues, and later on continued to bowl and golf in mixed senior leagues and with the Retired Men's Service Club. As an accomplished dancer, Anthony and his wife Rose were the recipients of several dancing awards. Anthony was also an avid reader and enjoyed world traveling.

In addition to his wife of seventy two years, Mr. DeFazio is survived by one daughter Grace Williams of North Tonawanda, NY; one son Leonard A. (Bonnie) DeFazio of Waterport, NY; seven grandchildren, Frank (Shannon) DiPietro, David (Julie) DiPietro, Anthony (Carmen) DiPietro, Dr. Leonard A. (Marcia) DeFazio, Jr., Dr. Christian DeFazio, Jill (Joseph) Cutolo, and Capt. Pamela DeFazio, USAF, fourteen great-grandchildren and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins. He was also predeceased by five siblings, Angelo (late Jennie) DeFazio, Concetta (late Charles) Montante, Leona (late Angelo) Carmella, Carmella (late Thomas) Rinallo and Louis (late Frances) DeFazio.

Friends may call on Tuesday from 4 – 8 p.m. at the M.J. COLUCCI & SON FUNERAL CHAPEL, 468 19TH STREET, NIAGARA FALLS, NY. Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday July 29th at 9:30 a.m. at St. John de LaSalle Church, 8469 Buffalo Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY with Rev. Slawomir Siok, SAC officiating. EVERYONE PLEASE ASSEMBLE AT CHURCH. Interment will be held in St. Joseph Cemetery, Niagara Falls, NY. If desired, memorial donations may be made to a charity of one's choice.