HARPERS FERRY, WEST VIRGINIA: John A. DeFries, Jr., 67, of Alta Vista Drive, Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, died unexpectedly, Thursday, November 1st, at Gardner Street, Fredonia, NY. He was born in Dunkirk, on June 13, 1945, the son of the late John A. and Naomi (Carter) DeFries, Sr.
He worked for the NFTA in Buffalo, retiring in 2007 after 17 years of service. He was a member of the Transit Authority Union, the NRA and an honorary member of Blue Ridge Mountain Fire Company, Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. Mr. DeFries was a very generous man & had a good sense of humor.
Survivors include two daughters, Tracey (Shawn) Knight, of Virginia Beach, Virginia, Tamara (John) Guida, of Tonawanda and a sister Martha White, of Portland. Also surviving are 7 grandchildren an aunt, Lois Carter of Hamburg, his former wife & good friend Louise DeFries of Buffalo, best friend Jimmy (Angela) Joynt of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia and several nieces & nephews. Besides his parents he was predeceased by a brother Andrew DeFries.
There will be no visitation observed. Private Services and Interment will be at the convenience of family in Forestville Cemetery.
The family suggests memorial donations may be made either to the SPCA, 1439 Pontiac Road, Angola, NY, 14006 or to Chautauqua County Humane Society, 2825 Strunk Road, Jamestown, NY 14701. Arrangements are by Riles & Woolley Funeral Home, Forestville. To post condolences go to www.rilesandwoolleyfuneralhome.com.
3 Comments
Mary scott
R.I.P MR. JOHN I LOVE U AND MISS U SO MUCH U WAS LIKE A FATHER TO ME U WATCHED ME GROW UP SINCE I WAS A BABY I LOVE U DEARLY N I HOPE U R RESTING PEACEFULLY
Judy Gormly Thompson
Dear Martha,
My deepest sympathy in the loss of your brother, John. It is such a shock when it happens so unexpectedly. I just lost my husband suddenly as well. It is definitely not an easy path. Please know I am thinking of you, and hope that wonderful memories will help ease the pain.
Please feel free to contact me via email if you would like. (slvr@netsync.net) It would be nice to get together once things have settled down a bit.
Many prayers coming your way, Martha,
Judy Gormly Thompson
Bill Short
So sad to see the obit for “Jacky” played with him in the early 50’s when he lived on the hill on central ave. Never knew where he went and lost touch. Always think of him when I go down central ave. My condolences to the family.