Richard DeFazio Obituary

Richard A. DeFazio, 63, of South Canaan passed away peacefully Friday afternoon, July 19, 2024 at Wayne Memorial Hospital after an illness. His beloved wife, the former Catherine A. Palko survives him. They were married on August 16, 2016.

Born October 13, 1960 in Scranton, he was the son of the late John DeFazio and the late Rita Powell.

Rick was a 1980 graduate of Western Wayne High School and went on to serve in the United States Marines Corps. For many years, he was a self-employed electrician and plumber. Rick later worked at General Dynamics until his recent retirement.

A fun and outgoing musician, Rick enjoyed playing guitar and banjo. His greatest joy in life was making others smile. Rick especially cared about children and looked forward to going to St. Joseph's Center to play music and perform his gift of juggling for the young people to brighten up their day. His life was full of adventure and included many sky diving expeditions and scuba diving as well. Rick was a certified scuba diver. He will be remembered as an incredibly hard worker who loved his friends and family. Rick was an incredibly kind and giving husband whose legacy will live on in the beautiful house he worked so hard to build with love for "his Kate." He was so proud of this accomplishment. Rick was profoundly grateful to have his close-knit clan of true and faithful friends. Although he will be missed; Rick will never be forgotten by all who knew and loved him.

Rick is also survived by a son, Sean DeFazio of Scranton; stepchildren, Sarah Howell and her companion Roy Weaver of Tennessee, Darren Howell and his wife Courtney, and Brian Howell, all of Waymart; a grandson, Khristian Hendershot; two brothers, Mark DeFazio of Scranton, and Kenny Frable and his wife Stacey of North Carolina; and a sister, Donna McCann and her husband Brian of Canadensis; four nephews; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Sean DeFazio and John DeFazio.

Graveside services will be held on Saturday, August 3, 2024 at 11:00 AM in Simon Cemetery, Mountain Road, South Canaan, with Pastor Judy Sullivan officiating.

Arrangements and cremation are entrusted to Howell Family Funeral Home, Inc., Edward R. Howell, Funeral Director, 269 Belmont Street, Waymart, PA 18472.