Published in Asbury Park Press on July 6, 2011
Michael Christopher DeFazio, 52, of Freehold, formerly of Fair Haven, passed away suddenly Friday, July 1, 2011, while on a fishing trip in Maryland with his wife, Debbie. Michael was the owner and operator of DeFazio Landscaping and Excavating, Freehold. He was a 1977 graduate of Rumson Fair Haven High School. He was a 34 year member of the Fair Haven Volunteer Fire Company and First Aid Squad. In 1982, he served as Captain of the Fair Haven First Aid Squad. He also served as Fair Haven Fire Chief in 1985. In addition, Michael has served as Fireman’s Fair Chairman for several years beginning in 1983. Michael served on many committees during his membership with the Fire Company and First Aid Squad. He especially loved hunting, and enjoyed fishing on his boat “This Is It”. Michael also loved riding his motorcycle with his wife; he was also a fan of Nascar.
Michael was predeceased by his mother, Eleanor Parrotino DeFazio, in 1981. Michael is survived by Deborah, the love of his life, soul mate and wife of 26 years. He is also survived by his father, Americo “Mitty” DeFazio of Fair Haven; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Marie and Martin Brady of Sayreville; his sisters-in-law, Donna Cassidy and husband Jim, their two children, Christopher and James of Sayreville, and Marie Fagundo and her husband Alvaro, and their two children, Nicole and Kristina of Avenel; his best friend since childhood, Fair Haven Police Chief Darryl Breckenridge; and very close friends, Christine and Andy Schrank; and neighbors of “Mitty”; and many other very close friends, new and old, and friends and acquaintances through his business.
Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, July 7 at the John E. Day Funeral Home, 85 Riverside Ave., Red Bank. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, July 8 at the funeral home. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations in Michael’s name to The Fair Haven First Aid Squad, River and Battin Roads, Fair Haven, NJ 07704. Please visit Michael’s memorial web page at johnedayfuneralhome.com.