John Norman DiStefano Send a condolence note

Laconia---John Norman DiStefano, 73, beloved husband of Joan, entered eternal Life Saturday March 8, 2008 at the Lakes Region General Hospital, peacefully with his family by his side. John had fought a courageous year long battle with pancreatic cancer.

John was born February 8, 1935 in Providence, Rhode Island, the son of the late Eugene and Hannah DiStefano. He was a graduate of LaSalle Academy in Providence.

John moved to Connecticut in 1955 where he was employed by Pratt & Whitney Aircraft. After leaving Pratt & Whitney he held the position of General Manager of M & M Welding in Glastonbury for 35 years.

John moved to Laconia and was employed at Lewis and Saunders at which time he met his wife Joan. Together they enjoyed their life in Laconia with their children and grandchildren. After his retirement he taught welding at the Adult Education program at Laconia High School, which he fully enjoyed. John was an avid fisherman, cook, gardener, reader and poker player. He looked forward to his daily workouts at Planet Fitness.

While living in Connecticut John was a member of the Rotary Club in Glastonbury. He was a former member of the Meredith Rotary Club and the Laconia Lodge of Elks # 876.

Beside his loving and devoted wife, Joan (Decormier) Boyd DiStefano, John leaves a son John N. DiStefano, Jr. of Glastonbury, CT.; 4 daughters Deborah Milewski and her husband James of Simpsonville, South Carolina, Denise Branciforte and her husband Anthony of Hebron, CT., Dawn DiStefano of Kensington, CT. and Becky (Boyd) Richter and her husband Chad of Laconia, NH. John also leaves behind 6 grandchildren A.J. and Megan Branciforte, Nicholas and Natalie DiStefano and Tyler and Haley Richter. He also is survived by a sister-in-law Roselyn DiStefano and her daughters Donna, Paula and Linda.

     Beside his parents he was predeceased by 2 brothers Eugene DiStefano and Alan DiStefano both of Providence, RI.

     John’s family will receive friends on Tuesday March 11, 2008 from 5-8 PM at the Wilkinson-Beane Funeral Home 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia, using the Carriage House entrance.

     A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday March 12, 2008 at 11:00 AM at the Sacred Heart Church, Union Ave., Laconia. The Rev. Adrien Longchamps, pastor of the church will officiate.

Wilkinson-Beane Funeral Home & Cremation Services 164 Pleasant Street, Laconia NH is in charge of the arrangements.