Joseph Charles DeFuria Sr.

YOUNGSTOWN - Joseph "Joe" DeFuria, 100, passed away peacefully after a long and fulfilling life on Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026.

He was born on July 26, 1926, in Youngstown, to parents Anthony and Concetta DelMonte DeFuria. He was a proud graduate of Chaney High School and served with the Army in the Philippines during World War II from 1944 to 1946.

He married his wife, Vera Castrucci, on Aug. 20, 1949. They were blessed to share 76 years together, all the while making happy memories for their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to cherish.

Joe worked as a marble mason and tile setter for Bertolini Bros. and Youngstown Tile and Terrazzo. His career spanned 43 years. You'd be hard-pressed to find an area church, school, or bank that does not showcase his craftsmanship. Notable projects include The Butler Institute of American Art and St. Columba Cathedral.

Joe was a longtime member of the former St. Brendan Church and was currently a member of St. Mary Magdalene Parish, St. Christine Church. He was also a member of Catholic War Veterans John J. Buckley Post 1292 and a member of Bricklayers Union Local 8 for over 75 years.

Joe's hobbies included bowling (58 consecutive years), gardening, fishing, and baseball to name a few. He gardened into his 98th year and found the most joy in giving away the fruits of his labor. He enjoyed many local fishing trips, but nothing topped the yearly Canadian fishing adventures with his sons, nephews, and friends including his best friend and brother-in-law, John. Joe's love of baseball started in his childhood and continued into his 70s while playing with the Youngstown Oldtimers where he was inducted into their Hall of Fame. In addition to coaching at Mill Creek Junior Baseball, Joe was also a trustee and assisted in the upkeep of the ballfields for over 50 years. He was known for his quick wit and great sense of humor which will be missed by all.

Joe is survived by five children, Deborah (Terry) Maloney of Boardman, Angela Gething of Brookfield, Doreen (Jim) Cogar of Canfield, Joseph (Tammy) DeFuria Jr. of Hiram, and Dennis (Joielle) DeFuria of Canfield; sisters, Dora Andio, Norma Brooke and Lillian (Bill) Weimer; and brother-in-law, Charles Schaeffer; 16 grandchildren, Michael, Erin, Joseph, Tara, Megan, Brian, Katie, James, Erica, Philip, Liana, Mariah, Miranda, Michelle, Marcus, and Caitlin; 27 great-grandchildren (his little mustaches); and a large extended family of in-laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to his parents and wife, Vera, Joe was preceded in death by his brothers, Anthony DeFuria Jr., and Louis DeFuria; sisters, Stella Nichols, Josephine DeFuria, Helen Ferko and Diana Schaeffer; son-in-law, Bruce Gething; and granddaughter, Sarah Gething.

Family and friends may call from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, at Kinnick Funeral Home, 477 N. Meridian Rd. Youngstown. A funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, Sept. 14, at St. Christine Church, 3165 S. Schenley Ave. Youngstown.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Akeso Hospice, Caprice Health Care Center, and Addison of Cornersburg for the compassion shown and loving care given to Joe.

In lieu of flowers, anyone wishing to express their sympathy may do so through contributions to Once A Cowboy Always A Cowboy charity, P.O. Box 3024, Youngstown, OH 44511; St. Vincent de Paul (svdpmahoning.org) or to your favorite charity in Joe's memory.