John J. DeFazio

passed away on Saturday, January 25th, 2020. after a long and courageous battle with Multiple Sclerosis.
Born in Somerville, MA, he was the son of the late Beatrice Lear and John J. DeFazio, Sr.

In his youth John was a chef and drummer by trade; he attended Berkley School of Music, and played in bands in the Boston area, Cape Cod, and Southeastern Massachusetts. A great music enthusiast, John attended countless concerts and festivals. John’s culinary career ultimately brought him to Martha’s Vineyard where he met his future wife, Marie. He ran the Pootatuck Yacht Club Restaurant in Stratford, Connecticut and was the former owner of Crossroads Restaurant in West Warwick, Rhode Island.

He was a resident of Cranston since 1989 when he relocated to Rhode Island to care for his father-in-law.  John was an advocate for NEADS Service Dogs and was instrumental in launching the Prison Pup Program with his first service dog, "Miss Shapleigh," at the ACI in Cranston. John and Shapleigh were the subject of a television news feature which went on to win an Emmy Award in 2005.

John is survived by his loving wife Marie, his second service dog Owen, and beloved family members: Deb, Monette, Pat, Bill, Leah, Mandy, Wendy, Mindy, Georgette, and Melody.

In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s memory would be appreciated. Donations may be made to: NEADS World Class Service Dogs, P.O.Box 1100 Princeton, MA 01541 Attention: Doreen Sheridan."

A private celebration of John’s life will be in February.