John DeFelice, Sr., 86, of Monaca, (just 3 days shy of his 87th birthday), passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on April 26th, 2025 after a lengthy illness. He was born in Monaca on April 29th, 1938, the son of the late Joseph DeFelice and Mary Angeline Colonna.
John was married to the late Shirley Ann (Miller) DeFelice until she passed away on July 24th, 2020. Together, they had six loving children: the late Joseph (Tracy) DeFelice of Monaca, Lynne (the late Sharon) DeFelice of Fallston, John DeFelice, Jr. of Monaca, Anthony DeFelice of Monaca, Michael (Lori) DeFelice of Aliquippa, and Christan DeFelice of Monaca. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Joey, Brandyn, Daryn, Joccelyn, Mandy, Cory (whom he loved like a son), John, Robert, Nicholas, Michael, Kristyn, Zachary; along with numerous great grandchildren.
In his youth, John loved to fish and swim in the Ohio River. He enjoyed playing baseball, tag football and shooting marbles on Pacific Avenue with his friends. After attending Monaca High School, John joined the United States Navy. Upon returning home, he was a truck driver with Colona Thread Protectors in Monaca and shortly after met his future wife, Shirley and they settled down in Monaca to start a family.
John was an avid poker player and legend has it that he almost always walked away from the table with more that he sat down with. It could be heard almost every weekend… “dad won again!” His second love was playing horseshoes with his family. In his later years John also enjoyed playing Scrabble with his mom and sisters and was a very challenging player. He also loved to cook and do the daily crossword puzzle.
John was also a huge Pittsburgh Steelers fan who never missed a game.
He was also preceded in death by his son, Joseph DeFelice, his sister, Bertha Moakley; his daughter in law, Sharon Malovich and his great-granddaughter, Amora DeFelice.
He is also survived by his loving sisters, Janet (the late Frank) Parker and Anita (Donald) Regney, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
In accordance with John’s wishes, there will be a private service only. Arrangements have been entrusted to Simpson Funeral and Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca.
