Mario A DeFrancesco

Mario Anthony DeFrancesco, age 72, of New Philadelphia and formerly of Florida, went home to be with the Lord on Friday afternoon, December 5, 2008 in Union Hospital at Dover.Born January 26, 1936 in Bronx, New York, he was the son of the late Joseph and Philomena (Villani) DeFrancesco.After completing his formal high school education, Mario honorably served his country in the United States Army. When his military service was complete, he began his professional career managing a variety of stores. In recent years, many will remember Mario working at Speedway off the I-77 Dover exit ramp on the NE corner.On August 13, 1983, Mario married his beloved wife, the former Shirley Ann Engel. Together, they celebrated 25 years of marriage this past August. The foundation of Mario’s life was his love of the Lord Jesus Christ. He was an active member of the New Life Church of God in Dover and lived out his faith in his daily walk with his Creator. In addition to his wife, Shirley, he is survived by his two daughters, Donna and Laura, both of New Jersey; step-sons, Edward DeWitt of Wauseon, O., Kevin DeWitt of Arcadia, Fl., and James DeWitt of North Port, Fl; a nephew, Edward Hussey of New York; his mother-in-law, Elizabeth Engel of New Philadelphia; and his close friends, Jim and Elaine Maxon of Kimbolton, O.He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers and two sisters.A public service celebrating Mario’s life and love for the Lord will be held in New Life Church of God on Wednesday, December 10 beginning at 10:30a.m. The Dover V.F.W. will render military honors at the beginning of the service. Cremation will be conducted through the care of the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory and inurnment will be held in Rittman National Cemetery at a later date.Mario’s family requests memorial contributions be directed to New Life Church of God, 115 South Ave., Dover, Ohio 44622.Those unable to attend are invited to share memories and condolences with the family by visiting the funeral home’s website.