HARPERS FERRY, WEST VIRGINIA: John A. DeFries, Jr., 67, of Alta Vista Drive, Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, died unexpectedly, Thursday (Nov. 1, 2012) at Gardner Street, Fredonia, N.Y. He was born in Dunkirk, on June 13, 1945, the son of the late John A. and Naomi (Carter) DeFries, Sr.
He worked for the NFTA in Buffalo, retiring in 2007 after 17 years of service. He was a member of the Transit Authority Union, the NRA and an honorary member of Blue Ridge Mountain Fire Company, Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. Mr. DeFries was a very generous man and had a good sense of humor.
Survivors include two daughters: Tracey (Shawn) Knight, of Virginia Beach, Virginia, Tamara (John) Guida, of Tonawanda; and a sister Martha White, of Portland. Also surviving are 7 grandchildren an aunt, Lois Carter of Hamburg, his former wife and good friend Louise DeFries of Buffalo, best friend Jimmy (Angela) Joynt of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia and several nieces and nephews. Besides his parents he was predeceased by a brother, Andrew DeFries.
There will be no visitation observed. Private services and interment will be at the convenience of family in Forestville Cemetery.
The family suggests memorial donations may be made either to the SPCA, 1439 Pontiac Road, Angola, NY, 14006 or to Chautauqua County Humane Society, 2825 Strunk Road, Jamestown, NY 14701. Arrangements are by Riles & Woolley Funeral Home, Forestville. To post condolences go to www.rilesandwoolleyfuneralhome.com.
