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- Robert M. DiFrancesco, 77, of Lewiston, NY passed away unexpectedly on September 11, 2024, at his residence. Born March 22, 1947, in Niagara Falls, NY, he was the son of Italian immigrants, Marino ‘Sheik’ and Concetta (Ricotta) DiFrancesco, whom deeply believed in education and hard work which set the basis of Bob’s life. He was also the beloved husband of Sheila (D’Aloise) DiFrancesco, whom he married on July 26, 1975 at St. Joseph’s Church.
Bob was a graduate of Bishop Duffy High School and earned his Bachelor’s degree and three Master’s degrees from Niagara University. He began his 44-year dedication to the community in education and leadership at the former LaSalle Senior High School in 1969. He became the Dean of Students and Vice Principal at the former Trott Vocational High School in the 1970s, and then took the role as Vice Principal of LaSalle Junior and Niagara Falls High School. In 1987, Bob was promoted to Principal of LaSalle Junior and later became the Principal of Niagara Falls High School. It was only fitting that Bob finished his successful career at his former high school, Niagara Catholic High School (former Bishop Duffy), where he would serve as Principal for 10 years prior to retiring in 2013. Bob was the recipient of countless awards and accolades throughout his tenure. For his dedication, the 24th Street School was named the Robert M. DiFrancesco Center for Childhood and Head Start Education in his honor.
Bob always made time giving back to the community as a volunteer, serving in different capacities as former president and vice-president for several different civic organizations including the Niagara Police Athletic League, Niagara County Youth Board, Niagara Head Start Board, New York State Cerebral Palsy Association, Niagara Cerebral Palsy (Empower), Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center Foundation Board, Riverdale Cemetery Board and the Friends of the Library.
Bob was a devout Catholic and lifetime parishioner of St. Joseph’s Church where he served as an Altar Boy, Eucharistic Minister and Lecture.
Bob loved to cook and was featured on ‘Cooking with Lori & Friends’ alongside his good friends, Chuck Marazzo and Jim Cancemi. He had a passion for cars, especially his Camaro, and loved long rides, as well as listening to 1950s rock and roll. Bob and Sheila were also longtime members of the Niagara Falls Country Club.
Mr. DiFrancesco not only centered his life around his family, but his strong leadership and devotion to the community and its children will never be forgotten. He will be deeply missed.
In addition to his wife of 49 years, Mr. DiFrancesco is survived by his cherished sister, Anne (late William) Fadel; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Joel (Joy Fera Knack) D'Aloise and Shelley (Gerald Wozniak) D’Aloise; many cousins; his beloved family of Niagara Catholic; the classes of 1975 and 1977 students at LaSalle, and Trott Vocational class of 1980, as well as many other students, parents and colleagues he had the privilege to serve throughout the years.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, September 17 from 3 – 6 PM and Wednesday, September 18 from 3 – 8 PM at M.J. Colucci & Son Niagara Funeral Chapel, 2730 Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY 14304. Mr. DiFrancesco’s Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, September 19 at 10:30 AM in St. Joseph’s Church, 1413 Pine Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY 14301. Please assemble at church. Entombment will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Memorial offering in Bob’s honor may be sent to the Niagara University Scholarship Fund at niagara.edu/scholarship-donations or The Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center Foundation at nfmmc.org/about-us/foundation. Visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online condolences.
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1947 - 2024 (77 years)