Bernard James DeFranza, Sr. passed away peacefully while surrounded by his family on Monday, February 6, 2017 at the age of 59. He was the beloved husband of the late Rebecca Ann Hammers DeFranza. Loving father of Shannon Janet, Bernard DeFranza Jr. (Jessica DeFranza), Joseph DeFranza, Nicholas DeFranza, Joshua DeFranza and Leslie Mason. Son of Emma Graves DeFranza and the late August DeFranza. Brother of Mike DeFranza, Lenny DeFranza, David DeFranza, Paul DeFranza and Michelena Maher. Proud grandfather of Jessica Noel Perez (Jude Perez), Chad St. Pe Jr., Gage St. Pe, Kaysen DeFranza, Carsten DeFranza, Kullen DeFranza, Camdyn DeFranza, Lauren Mason, Spencer Mason and Olivia Mason. Great grandfather of Liam Perez. He is also survived and fondly remembered by many nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and dear friends. Bernard was a native of New Orleans, LA and a longtime resident of St. Bernard Parish where he was a longtime employee of Mr. Lawrence J. Randazzo at Randazzo’s Bakery from 1974 – 1993 and a valued employee of Salvador J. Randazzo from 1994 – 2005 at Randazzo’s Goodchildren’s Bakery. He was well loved and will be deeply missed by his family and by all those whose lives he touched.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a memorial gathering to be held at St. Bernard Memorial Funeral Home, 701 W. Virtue St., Chalmette, LA on Saturday, February 18th from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., followed by a memorial service beginning at 1:00 p.m. Burial will be private. To view and sign the Family Guestbook, please visit www.stbernardmemorial.com