John DeFrancesco

“Papa” John DeFrancesco, a beloved longtime presence on the Philadelphia jazz scene, died on June 25, 2024 in Maricopa, Arizona. He was 83. John was born September 12, 1940 in Niagara Falls, New York to his parents Joseph and Jenny DeFrancesco.

John a musical prodigy following in the footsteps of his father Joseph DeFrancesco who played sax with the Dorsey brother’s big band in the 1930’s and 40’s gave John trumpet lessons at age 6 and by age 13 John began playing in local nightclubs. In 1956 at age 16 John formed an R&B band with his neighborhood musician friends playing and singing the hits of the era and releasing local recordings in the western NY Niagara Falls area attaining local popularity with his band “Johnny D and the Kings”.

On April 28, 1962 John married the love of his life Laurene Wright from their home town Niagara Falls, NY. Shortly after their marriage inspired by John’s desire to transition from trumpet to organ John’s wife, Laurene bought his first Hammond Organ as a surprise gift. John worked his full-time day job at the Carborundum company while teaching himself the organ in his off time.

John moved his family to the Philadelphia area in 1967 to take a job at Boeing building Chinook helicopters yet still played organ several nights a week in local Philadelphia clubs. A true Iron man working to support his family and still feeding his passion for music. In addition to his passion for music, John also shared passion for aviation and cars, where he would frequent local car shows with his hand built “hot rod” and attend local air shows to feed his insatiable fascination with aviation, a true renaissance man in every sense of the word.

Over the course of his career, DeFrancesco played with greats like Cab Calloway, George Benson, David “Fathead” Newman and his organ heroes, including Smith, Jack McDuff and Jimmy McGriff. John released nine critically acclaimed albums where John’s warmth and joyous spirit of his personality flowed through his keys. After leaving Boeing, John spent nearly 30 years as an electrical supervisor with Amtrak, moving to Arizona after retiring in 2005 John hosted a Sunday brunch gig at the Phoenix club Bobby C’s where he was very gracious mentor to young musicians coming up, always providing coaching encouragement and inviting them up on his stage to “jam” and share musical ideas.

John’s ultimate passion was spending time with his friends and family. At family gatherings was always the life of the party, with his incredible sense of humor, bringing joy and a sense of warmth to his loved ones.

FAMILY

Predeceased by: Joseph “Joey” DeFrancesco-son
Survived by: Wife: Laurene DeFrancesco
Children: Cheryle Hanson, Kenneth Hanson, John DeFrancesco, Jackie DeFrancesco, Gloria DeFrancesco
Grandchildren: Nicholas Bublavi, Jefferey Bublavi, Dana Weaver, Kennth Hanson, Ashley DeFrancesco Brooke Papatolis
Great Grandchildren: David Weaver, Adalyn Bublavi, Nicholas Bublavi, Daniel Weaver, Georgia Bublavi

MEMORIAL
Saturday, September 7, 2024
11:00 AM
Saint Gabriel's Roman Catholic Church
233 Mowhawk Avenue
Norwood, Pennsylvania
 
Reception after the service at the church.