Michael J. DeFranks

Michael John DeFranks, 78, departed this life on October 23, 2016, after several strokes and seizures left his brain irreversibly damaged. That one sentence shares more about Mike than he likely would have preferred; he was a private man outside the family. So while there are many stories to share, they are best shared one-on-one vs. publicly. Here you will find a few milestones of a life well-lived and about a man who was well-loved. You could not have known Mike without also knowing his “bride” Beverly. Their love story began in the neighborhood (Buffalo, NY), and they married on August 3, 1957. They had six children – John, Marie, Anne, Teresa, Joseph and Michael. Together, they taught their children right from wrong. He wanted them all to succeed and never doubted that they would. He let them think for themselves, set off on careers of their choosing and was ready to help them through life’s tough times. He was strong and wise. He was a provider, protector, prodder. Mike could also be light-hearted and had a great sense of humor. He could turn a phrase like few others, and he was a mad whistler. A graduate of Canisius College, Mike spent his entire career at one company (Western Electric/ Lucent Technologies/AT&T), beginning in payroll and then payroll technology systems. When Western Electric closed its Buffalo, NY, plant in 1976, Mike moved his family to Marietta, GA. The move to Georgia brought many new experiences and friendships. Retired in 1996 and living in Kennesaw, GA, Mike started volunteering at Kennestone Hospital. During his tenure, he was treasurer and then president of the volunteer group. Mike also took up the craft of chair caning, gifting several of his children and grandchildren with hand-crafted chairs or rockers. He was a patron of the Marietta theater scene, devoted member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, and life-long Notre Dame fan. Mike had 10 grandchildren of whom he was immensely proud: Sara, Amanda, Samantha, Jeffrey, Brian, Meagan, Matthew, Morgan, Joshua and Michael Loran. In addition to his wife, children and grandchildren, Mike is survived by son-in-law Calvin, daughters-in-law Raghnild, Melisa and Tish, siblings Anthony, Paul, John and Lucille, and sisters-in-law Josie Ann and Elaine — all of whom cherish his memory. He is preceded in death by his parents Samuel and Margaret, sister-in-law Cindy, son Joseph and daughter Anne. If you wish to honor Mike’s memory, the family requests that donations are made to the American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org/donate).

Michael J. DeFranks

January 4, 1938 - October 23, 2016