Emelio "Sonny" DeFazio, Jr.

Emelio “Sonny” DeFazio, Jr., 92 of Cranston, formerly of Johnston passed away on Tuesday November 21, 2023, with his family by his side. Born in Johnston he was the son of the late Emelio and Amelia (Cerra) DeFazio, Sr. He was the beloved husband of 73 years of Jennie (Palazzo) DeFazio.

Sonny was a graduate of Mount Pleasant High School. He was the Director of Public Works for the town of Johnston for 35 years. A devout catholic he was a parishioner of Holy Apostles Church in Cranston. Sonny’s family was of the utmost importance to him, and he enjoyed spending as much time as possible with them. He spent some of his free time playing the guitar, taking trips the casino and he was an avid Red Sox fan as long as they were winning. Sonny was a friend to all and made friends quite easily, wherever he went. He had a great love for all animals; however, his late grand dog Winston was near and dear to his heart.

Besides his beloved wife he was survived by his loving children Thomas DeFazio and his wife Gretchen, and Shirley Palazzo and her husband John. He was the devoted grandfather of Tamara Palazzo, Kristen Salvato, Nicole Cogliati, and Christopher DeFazio. He leaves his five great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his five sisters.

His Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday November 29, 2023, at 11:00 am at Holy Apostles Church, 800 Pippin Orchid Rd., Cranston. Burial will be immediately following at St. Ann Cemetery.  VISTING HOURS will be held from 8:30-10:00 am at the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory, 1278 Park Ave., Cranston. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to HopeHealth Hospice and Palliative Care, 1095 N. Main St., Providence, RI 02904.