Obituary of Frederick Michael DeFinis

Fred DeFinis of West Orange passed away on Sunday, September 23rd at the age of 78, surrounded by his loving family.  Fred was born and raised in Orange, NJ. Fred moved, almost 50 years ago, to his permanent West Orange residence.  He is survived by his loving wife Patricia (nee D’Aries), beloved daughter Kelli Jean, son-in-law Paul Castellucci and their four children, Sawyer, Camden, Adrianna and Isabella, who affectionately called Fred Pop Pop. Additionally, he is survived by his devoted son Fredrick Jr. with whom he spent countless hours working and viewing sports events with, including Fredrick’s own college football career. He leaves sisters, Barbara Phelan (husband Joe deceased) of Moorestown, NJ, and Brenda and husband Gary Francois of Mount Laurel, NJ, and sister-in-law Susanne DeFinis of PA.   Fred is also survived by cousin and best friend, Tony Sellitto of Honolulu, Hawaii.  Fred is predeceased by his brothers Carl, Ritchie, Bobby & Sister-in-law “Twinkie”.   Fred also leaves his wife’s family,  sisters-in-law Rosemary (deceased), Catherine & husband Jack, Michele, Donna & husband Michael, Lauren & husband Bill, and brother-in-law Michael and wife Diane (deceased) and his many loving nieces and nephews who he loved dearly.

Growing up in Orange, NJ, Fred was the starting quarterback for the Orange Tornadoes Football Team, a part of his life he was extremely proud of.

The DeFinis Family, was a family of professional plumbers, the boys followed in the footsteps of their father Charles “Kelly” DeFinis.  Fred was the successful owner/operator of DeFinis Plumbing & Heating for over 50 years. Serving all areas of central and northern New Jersey. Fred was recognized as a professional “Old School” plumbing problem solver. 

Fred was a lover of the Jersey Shore.  For many years he owned a variety of power boats, which he docked and cruised on Barnegat Bay. The latest of these boats, the Kelli Jean ll, was meticulously restored and maintained for his family to use.  Fred also enjoyed traveling to his all-time favorite place, Hawaii.  Where he got to spend time with his beloved cousin, family, and friends.

As much as Chadwick Beach was his favorite vacation and weekend “hangout”, Freddy’s other love was old cars.  His lifelong project was the original restoration of his “Porsche Red” 1968 Ford Mustang, which he and his daughter Kelli worked on together. From his hospital bed he was still ordering needed parts when he neared his final hour. 

Fred and his family were also life long members of the Padre Pio Sons of Italy Lodge, #2350, which was founded by his wife Patricia’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Michael D’Aries of West Orange. 

Besides being a devoted dog lover, Fred was also a loyal fan and season ticket holder, of the New York Jets football team.

Fred had a way of making people feel good.  He was the most honest, caring, positive, loving, patient and genuine man.  His spirit just lit up a room no matter what the situation.

Fred’s laugh, positive attitude, and humorous comments will be sorely missed as well as his favorite Sunday ritual, making macaroni and meatballs with gravy, followed by a day of football.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with family at Dangler Funeral home, 340 Main Street, West Orange, NJ, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday, September 27th with a memorial service to be conducted at 4:15pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations are requested by the family to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place Memphis, TN 38105.