NEW MIDDLETOWN- A Mass of Christian Burial will be Noon on Thursday  in St. Paul the Apostle Church for Rocco "Rock" DeFrances, 93, who passed away Monday afternoon at Masternick  Memorial with his loving family by his side.
Mr. De Frances was born Aug. 11, 1922 in Youngstown and was a son of Anthony and Barbara Ferrando De Frances and was a lifelong member of the community.
He was the owner and operator of American Shoe Service with locations at Hillman Street in Youngstown and Youngstown Pittsburgh Road in New Middletown retiring in 1978.  Upon his retirement he became an instructor at the adult workshop at Masco for ten years.
Mr. De Frances was a member of the St. Paul the Apostle Parish, former member of St. Nicholas Catholic Parish in Struthers for 52 years, member of Master Shoe Rebuilders Association, American Legion Post 565, a World War II U.S. Army Veteran was a recipient of the American Theater Ribbon, EAME Theater Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal and World War II Victory Medal, a 1942 graduate of South High School and attended Youngstown College.
He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of over 62 years, the former Rita Capuzello whom he married July 25, 1953; daughter, Barbara (Tony Sferra) De Frances-Bieber of Poland; daughter in law, Eileen De Frances of Fairfield Glade, Tennessee; grandchildren, Jennifer (Chris) Tontini of Spring Hill, FL; Matthew (Sheena) Rupe of Lakeland, FL; T.J. Rupe of Austin, Texas; Michael (Sarah) De Frances of Charlotte, NC; Kevin (Ashley) De Frances of Barrington, Illinois and Danielle (Skyler) De Frances of Denver, Colorado; great grandchildren, Roman and  Mia Tontini, Cameron, Jordan, and Alyssa Rupe, Alexandria Rupe, Luke and John Swinson and very loving and special nephew and niece, Jim and Kathy Scarnecchia of Canfield who helped to care for their uncle during his illness.
Besides his parents he was preceded in death by his son, Anthony, brother, William and a son in law Dick Bieber.
The family has requested that contributions may be made to St. Paul the Apostle Parish, 10143 Main Street, New Middletown, Ohio 44442 and/or Rescue Mission of the Mahoning Valley, P.O. Box 430, Youngstown, Ohio 44501-0430.
The De Frances family wishes to extend a very heartfelt thanks to the staff and administration of Masternick Memorial for the wonderful care given to their loved one during his time of illness.
The family will receive relatives and friends from 10 to 11:45 a.m. Thursday at St. Paul the Apostle Church.

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