Joseph S. DeFrancesco, age 85, husband of Barbara (Kenney) DeFrancesco of Salem, died unexpectedly Sunday morning at Salem Hospital after being stricken at home. He and his wife would have celebrated 60 years of marriage this year.

Born in Salem, the son of the late John and Margaret (Mento) DeFrancesco, he was raised and educated in Salem while also helping his father in the family business, John DeFrancesco and Sons. . Just prior to his graduation from Salem High School, Mr. DeFrancesco joined the United States Navy proudly serving the Country. Upon his discharge he returned to the family business, only to leave and again serve the Navy during the Korean War.

At the end of his tour of duty he returned to the family's wholesale produce business and expanded into the retail business as the Tomato Patch in Peabody. As the family grew so did the business, which he was now proud to see in its fourth generation of operation.

Active in the City of Salem, he served over 50 years on the City of Salem Board of Registered Voters as well as the City of Salem Draft Board. Mr. DeFrancesco was also one of oldest members in good standing in the Christopher Columbus Society in Salem.

A hard working person and devoted husband, he loved life and enjoyed his family. He was extremely proud of his grandchildren and his new great granddaugher who was the "sunshine of his life". He also enjoyed traveling to Florida, going to Foxwoods and had enjoyed a wonderful trip to Italy when and his wife celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary nine years ago.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a son, Barry and his wife Lorri of Salem; a brother Sam and his wife Jean DeFrancesco of Topsfield; 3 sisters, retired City of Salem City Clerk, Josephine Fusco of Peabody, Marie Munroe of Salem and Sarah DeFrancesco of Swampscott; three grandchildren Lindsay DeFrancesco Brennan and her husband Keith, Robert DeFrancesco and Joseph DeFrancesco all of Salem; one great granddaughter Emma Rose Brennan and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a son Robert DeFrancesco, brother Patsy DeFrancesco and sisters Margaret Landolphi and Jeanette Bonfanti.

His funeral will be held on Thursday, March 1, 2011 at 9:15 AM from the Murphy Funeral Home, 85 Federal St (cor of North St) Salem, to be followed by a funeral Mass at 10:00AM in the Immaculate Conception Church, 15 Hawthorne Blvd, Salem. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours will be on Wednesday from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Interment will be in St. Mary's Cemetery Salem. For online guest book or additional information please call 978 744 0497 or visit www.MurphyFuneralHome.com.