Michael A DeStefano

Michael DeStefano, 86, of Brick, NJ, passed away peacefully in his home on June 24, 2020. Born in Brooklyn, NY, he and his family moved to Staten Island in 1966. In 1994, he and his family then moved to Brick, NJ, where he spent the rest of his life. He served our country honorably in the US Army during the Korean War and continued his service proudly, retiring from the US Army National Guard in 1993. He was a member of the American Legion and VFW. He was an avid stamp and postcard collector and loved bike touring. Michael was an accomplished and talented artist and musician, devoting over 20 years after his retirement to entertaining in nursing homes with his wife, Joanne, and daughter, Barbara. As well, he was a nature and animal lover. 

His surviving family has been told that when Michael entered the room, it brightened immediately; knowing a good joke or outrageous saying was coming their way at any moment. He loved America as much as he loved his family, and his devotion to his daughters could not be topped.

Surviving are his wife, Joanne DeStefano; two daughters, Barbara DeStefano, Karen McFarland and her husband, Robert Cartwright; his brother, Peter DeStefano and his wife, Susan DeStefano, and his sister, Theresa Taura, and nieces, Pamela Taura, Jeanine Moliterni and Kari Bonanno; four grandchildren, Brian and Caroline McFarland, and Robert and Sarah Cartwright.

Interment with Military Honors will be held on Wednesday, July 8, at 11:00 a.m. at Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Cemetery in Arneytown. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Popcorn Park Zoo,1 Humane Way, Forked River, NJ 08731. The family invites you to leave a letter of condolence on the Tribute/Guestbook tab.

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