Mr. Kenneth J DeFazio

Kenneth J. DeFazio, 90, husband of Helen M. “Nikki”, passed away peacefully on 17 June, 2024 at the Cottingham Hospice House, Seneca, SC after a very brief illness surrounded by his loving family. Born in Scranton, PA, on August 29, 1933, to the late Charles and Alice DeFazio. Ken joined the Air Force at an early age and proudly served his country during the Korean War. After serving he was employed by Republic Aviation, Long Island, NY. He began his civilian career with the Department of Defense in 1965 as a Quality Assurance Specialist at Picatinny Arsenal, Dover, NJ. In 1977 he transferred to the Army Munitions Command, Rock Island, IL where he retired in August 1988 after 33 years of government service. Ken and Nikki moved to Seneca, SC in 1989 where he enjoyed many years of boating and jet skiing on Lake Keowee. In his later years, his best times were spent on the screened in porch with his wife and beloved dog, Shadow. He loved peacefully looking at the lake and its beautiful sunsets. Ken showed a great interest in cars, from a young age, and enjoyed working on a variety of them throughout the years. He was especially fond of Corvairs and restored over 38 of them and was a member of the Corvair Society of America. He was also a NASCAR enthusiast. Ken had a natural talent for writing. He expressed his opinions through carefully crafted letters to the editor. However, he found the most joy writing the “Shadow Chronicles” detailing the life of his beloved dog, and constant companion, Shadow. Ken took immense pride in his family and cherished every moment spent with them, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He delighted in lively card games during family gatherings. He and Nikki made many memorable trips to Illinois to share in family celebrations. Ken is survived by his wife, Nikki, Seneca SC, sons Kenneth DeFazio Jr., Hackettstown, NJ, David DeFazio, Dover, NJ, Alan (Donna) DeFazio, Mountain Rest, SC, Chris (Cathy) DeFazio, Payson, AZ, Keith (Maria) DeFazio, Netcong, NJ, Darrick (Michele) DeFazio, Hackettstown, NJ, and daughters Marianne (the late Brent) Whitmer, and Diane (Brian) Converse, Geneseo, IL, step-son Joseph Selobyt, Atlantic City, NJ, and sister Carol Reynolds of New York, NY. He is also survived by his 14 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren with 2 more on the way. Ken is preceded in death by brothers Anthony DeFazio and Carl DeFazio, and sister Dorothy Johnson. A celebration of life and private service will be held by the family in Geneseo, IL at a later date.

Mr. Kenneth J DeFazio

August 29, 1933 - June 17, 2024