John A. DeStefano passed peacefully on February 18, 2022 at Bethesda East Hospital in Boynton Beach, FL.  He was 88.

He was born in Elizabeth, NJ as a first generation American.  He was the oldest of two children and held a very special bond with his sister, Micky.

John was affectionately known as Sonny by his sister and parents, Johnny D by his friends, daddy by his children, Pop by his grandchildren and Big Poppy by his Great-grandchildren.

He resided in Hazlet, NJ for 50 years before moving to Delray Beach, FL in 2016.

He was married to the love of his life, Alice Briede for 57 years, prior to her passing in 2016.  He fell immediately in love with her captivating smile, sparkling green eyes and model figure. Together they raised their three children.  Family was everything to John.

He served in the Navy during the Korean War, SS Saipan, where he was awarded several medals of honor.

He spent over 40 years in mortgage finance. He was a force in and out of the office, whether you need advice, or just a good laugh.  He mentored many in the field, including his two daughters, who followed in his footsteps.

John was known for his impeccable sense of style, and always had a fedora for the right occasion.  He was fond of smoking cigars and made many friends in his new hometown in his cigar buddies.

He loved horseracing and spent most days picking the races.  His pride beamed at picking the superfecta at this past years Kentucky Derby.

He is predeceased by his parents, Concetta (Campo) & Giuseppe DiStefano, and his wife Alice.  He is survived by his Sister, Michelina DeGeorge, of Cranford, NJ, and his children Brad Mitchell of Windsor, CA, Tami Mechura and her husband Markof Union Beach, NJ and Cara DeStefano, Boynton Beach, FL.  He also left behind seven grandchildren, Nicole Francesconi, Nicole Ikeuchi, Caralyn Ibanez, Janelle Ikeuchi, Devon MacKinnon, Kimberly Figorito & Victor Mechura, as well as seven great-grandchildren, Isabella, Magnus, Gael, Milo, Wyatt, Kristina & Jude. He is also survived by his nephew Fred DeGeorge, Anne Massa and Suzan Cox and countless numbers of friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Honor Flight Network.

A visitation will be held from 10am to 11am Wednesday, February 23, 2022 with a Funeral Service to begin at 11am.

Interment will take place at the South Florida National Cemetery, Lake Worth.