Final Salute

Christopher DeFazio of Belmar, NJ age 76, passed away on June 9th at Jersey Shore Medical Center, Neptune, NJ. Chris was the 4th child of Chris and Stella DeFazio (nee Dombroski), born in Red Bank, NJ. He grew up in Colts Neck, NJ and graduated from Freehold High School in 1968.  Immediately after high school, Chris joined the Navy and served two tours in Vietnam serving proudly in the Construction Battalion (Seabees). After being honorably discharged from the Navy, he worked in construction and was a member of the local Carpenter’s Union his whole life until his retirement.

Chris was predeceased by his parents, his brother Joseph, his son Kevin Mikkelson, and his infant son Angelo. He is survived by the love of his life for the last 30 years, Dot Saverino, his daughter, Jeanna Ventura (Rusty), his son Jeffrey DeFazio (Karen), Jason Saverino (Kristyn) , Ed Saverino (Michele), and his sisters Barbara Mauser and Beatrice Vota. His beloved grandchildren Christopher, Anna, Jayson, Carolina, Alexa, Ryley, Tyler, Bella, Jordyn and Ava will miss their Pop dearly.

Pop was so proud of his service in Vietnam and his patriotism to our country was unmatched. He loved nothing more than hunting, fishing and the outdoors with family and friends. If these occasions were accompanied by a drink or two even better! Dot and Pop loved a country drive in his truck often searching for antiques and treasures to bring back to their beautiful home. If Pop was home you could find him organizing his tools in the shed or tinkering with his gun collection. Pop was a true craftsman shown by turning a little house in Belmar to a special home with hand made details throughout. Nothing brought Pop greater joy than having friends and family gathered around his big kitchen farmhouse table with a cold cut platter, tray of cookies, ice cold beers, and laughs to share.

Everyone who loved Chris felt that love right back and knew they had a loyal friend for life. His friendships lasted from High School Days to his pals on the fishing boat, neighborhood, job site, or local watering hole. His sparkling blue eyes and dazzling smile could light up a room even until his final days. Chris always had a laughable story to share and round of drinks to buy. He was the first to lend a hand to anyone in need. His work ethic was an inspiration to all, and a handshake meant everything to Chris. Honesty, kindness and being respectful were of the utmost importance to Chris and he instilled this in his children and grandchildren from a young age.

Nothing made his eyes light up more than his grandchildren. He was so very proud of them all and they are so blessed to have had Pop in their lives. He will be truly missed.

Visitation will be at the Freeman Funeral Home, 47 E. Main St., Freehold, N.J. on Friday, June 13th, from 10:00AM to 12:00PM.  A funeral service will be held at 12:00PM immediately following the visitation, with burial to follow at St. Rose of Lima Cemetery, Freehold.  For directions or to leave a message of condolence, please visit www.freemanfuneralhomes.com

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Wounded Warrior Project.