Anthony DeFrances

Anthony (Tony) DeFrances, 60, of Tower Lakes, Barrington, died July 31, 2014. Born April 21, 1954 to Rocco and Rita DeFrances in Youngstown, Ohio, Tony was married for 36 years to his wife, Eileen McCormick DeFrances. He is survived by Eileen and his three children Michael (fiancée Sarah Swinson) DeFrances, Kevin (fiancée Ashley Jenson) DeFrances, and Danielle (fiancé Skyler Nielsen) DeFrances; his parents, sister Barb; sisters-in-law Kathleen (Richard) Kaleba, Noreen (Wayne) Rohde, Anna (Jeffrey) Kelch; brother-in-law Joseph (Mary) McCormick; fifteen nieces and nephews, many cousins and countless friends. He was preceded in death by his loving in-laws, Joseph and Anna McCormick.
Tony attended St. Nicholas Grammar School and Cardinal Mooney High School (Youngstown, Ohio) prior to attending the University of Dayton where he earned three degrees (Bachelor of Science, psychology, double Masters in computer science and psychology.) But Tony found more than an education at UD for it was there he also met the love of his life, Eileen. The two met as freshman and were blessed with a wonderful family. Tony loved Eileen, Michael, Kevin and Danielle above everything else and was a loving and supportive husband and father. He coached various sports teams for each of his children and was the one to go to for assistance with school projects and anything technology related. He was a great mentor to his children and he supported them in all their endeavors. Tony loved the water and some of their most treasured family memories were from vacations to Holden Beach, NC.
Tony was a pioneer in the technology industry and, as an entrepreneur, built several companies including TDS, Inc. He liked to read and take long walks, but most of his time was devoted to work and family. Tony was quick with a smile and always ready to lend a hand. As his in-laws’ health failed in later years, Tony was a constant and ever present support. He leaves behind countless friends and family members who mourn his loss. A well-attended funeral mass was held on Sunday, August 3rd at St. Anne Catholic Church in Barrington, IL where Tony was a long-time parishioner. Memorial donations may be made to the University of Dayton Alumni Association.

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