Obituary: Charles Anthony DiFranco III, 81, of Wallingford

WALLINGFORD, CT - (From Wallingford Funeral Home) Charles Anthony DiFranco III, aged 81, of Westbrook, CT passed away on Wednesday, February 24, 2021.

He was born in Meriden, CT, on December 5, 1939, to parents Teresa (Conticelli) and Charles DiFranco. A graduate of the Porter School of Design & Engineering and a four-year veteran of the National Guard, he spent most of his life in Wallingford, CT, before relocating to Westbrook.

Charlie was a family man, first and foremost, and married his beloved wife Betty on April 12, 1969. Together they raised a son, Daniel, with whom he shared his love of fishing, horse racing, and the New York Yankees.

A Wallingford legend in every sense of the word, Charlie owned and operated DiFranco’s World of Fashion for over 50 years, where he became a highly respected member of the community.

Charlie was a salt-of-the-earth type of guy who would give you the shirt off his back, and was as comfortable joking around among a large group of friends as he was singing Frank Sinatra songs in the privacy of his home.

A man of many names – Charlie, Charl, Chaz, Goose, Dad – it was the one that he picked up six years ago that brought him the most joy, “Grandpa.” His ever-expanding circle of family and friends did nothing to diminish his generous heart, and his passing will have a profound impact on more people than his modest personality would have ever allowed him to admit.

Charlie is survived by Elizabeth (Passinese) DiFranco, his wife of 52 years; his son, Daniel DiFranco and wife, Jennie; his grandchildren, Domenico Charles and Sophia Giuliana; his sister, Marie Prota and husband, Vincent; his sister, Nancy Ohr and husband Roy; his brother, John DiFranco and late wife, Ann Marie, and countless other family members and friends who will miss him dearly.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, March 4, 2021 at 10:00 am directly at Most Holy Trinity Church, 84 N. Colony St., Wallingford, Ct.

In lieu of flowers the family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider making a donation to The Connecticut Hospice, 100 Double Beach Rd., Branford, CT 06405, in Charles DiFranco’s name.

Arrangements are under the direction of The Wallingford Funeral Home www.wallingfordfh.com