Michael John DeFazio, known as “Mike”, was born December 21, 1942 in Hamilton, Ohio, the eldest son of John V. DeFazio and Louise Ann (Antes) DeFazio. He was fortunate to have a large family, growing up with seven younger siblings that molded his way of thinking and acting. Mike attended Catholic schools through his formative years and went on to Xavier University in Cincinnati on a football scholarship. He was an all-around athlete with a competitive spirit, a feisty temperament, and a genuine heart for helping others in different forms of service. This was evident in how he lived his life.
His first major form of service came with his time in the military. He enlisted in the U.S. Army and was commissioned by way of Officer Candidate School. He served in varying capacities both on Active Duty and in the Reserves as a Chemical Corps officer. His assignments took him overseas to Korea and to Germany, where he met his wife, Hanna. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army Reserve.
His second form of service came by way of his family. Mike and Hanna had five children of their own which peppered their lives with an abundance of activities and support requirements. Mike’s greatest joy came in the form of his pride for each and every one of his children’s accomplishments. He wanted to help each of them succeed in life and inculcated them with the idea that hard work is critical for success.
His third form of service came by way of community. Mike very much loved Winchester as it reminded him of his hometown in Ohio. He served in various organizations, the Rotary Club, the Judges Athletic Association, on the Winchester City Council and as Eucharistic Minister and post-mass social coordinator at his home parish, Sacred Heart of Jesus in Winchester. He loved to gather with others and share a good joke over a good meal. He was most proud of his Italian and German heritage and wanted to instill that same sense in his family. He will be sorely missed by family and friends who loved him so much.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Jones Funeral Home.
There will be a Mass of Christian burial at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Winchester on Wednesday, November 16 at 10:00 a.m. with Father Krempa and Rev. Stanley J. Krempa officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Hebron Cemetery.
Donations may be made in Mr. Defazio’s memory to the Fisher House Foundation 111 Rockville Pike, Ste 420 Rockville, MD 20850 or at www.fisherhouse.org.