Joseph Nicholas DeFabbio

East Peoria – Joseph Nicholas DeFabbio, 75, of East Peoria died at 8:25 am Wednesday, July 27, 2011 at his residence. He was born June 6, 1936 in Syracuse NY to Nicholas and Josephine Volturno DeFabbio. They preceded him in death. Surviving is his partner of 42 years, William Lindgren, two sisters, Madeline Fagliarone of Estero, FL and Frederica Waddell of Makanda, IL and one brother Nicholas (Robin) DeFabbio of Richland Center, WI. Several nieces and nephews also survive. Joseph served in the United States Army from 1959-1962. He later taught History, Journalism and English at Richwoods HS in Peoria for 39 years. While there he received the Outstanding Teacher of the Year award in 1994. He was named the Outstanding History Teacher for the State of Illinois by the Illinois Society Daughter of Colonial Wars in April 1989. He received the Outstanding Teacher Award from the National Society Daughter of Colonial Wars from the DAR in 1988 and 1989. He also received the Outstanding Teacher Award by the University of Chicago in October 1984. Joseph was a 25 year member of Phi Delta Kappa. Joseph also taught speech part time at Illinois Central College for 17 years. He enjoyed his work as a funeral assistant at LeRoy Schmidt Memorial Chapel in East Peoria for 18 years. Most recently he worked part time as a courtesy driver at Velde Supercenter in Pekin for 10 years. He was an avid world traveler and had been to 6 continents. For 22 years Joe escorted Richwoods High School Students on the “Last Chance Tours” to various European cultural centers. He also enjoyed the opera, attending the symphony concerts in Peoria and Chicago and he loved to read. For five years he served on the Board of Opera Illinois where he often lectured on the opera. He was a subscriber to the Lyric Opera of Chicago for over 40 years. Joe enjoyed collecting programs from the various worldwide opera and theatres he attended for over 50 years. A funeral mass will be held at 10 am Saturday, July 30, 2011 at Sacred Heart Church in Peoria. Franciscan Friars will officiate. Visitation will be from 5-8 pm Friday, July 29, 2011 at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in East Peoria. Additional visitation will be ½ hour prior to mass. Burial will take place at Fondulac Cemetery in East Peoria following the service. Military rites will be performed.

Joseph Nicholas DeFabbio

June 6, 1936 - July 27, 2011