Domenic DiStefano

Domenic Vincent DiStefano, age 93, of Wilmington Delaware passed away peacefully on Monday, July 11th 2022 with his son by his side.

Domenic was born April 30th, 1929 in Wilmington Delaware, son of the late Giacomo and Grace (Maio) DiStefano. He is preceded in death by his wife Marie DiStefano; sister Norma Cofrancesco & her husband Alfonse; Sister-in-law Kathleen Jacobi  & her husband Joseph; and Nephew Daniel Jacobi.

Domenic is survived by his son Domenic Paul DiStefano & his wife Debra; Grandchildren Lauren Noelle, David Nicholas, & Alec Robert DiStefano; Niece Anne Jacobi of Rehoboth Beach DE & her wife Christine;  Nephew Mark Cofrancesco of Palm Beach Gardens, FL; Niece Linda Byrne of Newark DE and her husband Bill; Niece Dina Egoville of Kennett Square PA & her husband Chuck; and many cousins.

Domenic graduated from H. Fletcher Brown Vocational High School in 1949 which produced a generation of craftsman that helped make New Castle County what it is today. In high school, he played basketball & ran Track & Field competing in the Penn Relays in 1949. Drafted into the Army on April 6th of 1951 (21 years old), he served in the Korean War. He was stationed in Europe, fulfilling a two year tour of duty. Shortly before being discharged in November of 1952 & leaving for home, he visited his father’s small home village of San Giovanni located is outside of Rome. Domenic was warmly welcomed by his many cousins as the village came together throwing him a parade in his honor. He would remember & cherish this visit for 52 years before retuning with his cousins Albert & Dewey DiStefano in June of 2004.

Upon returning home from the service he began a bricklaying apprenticeship. He was initiated into the Bricklayers & Allied Craftsman Local #1 of DE in September of 1955 and was a lifetime member for almost 67 years. On December 7th 1964, Domenic married Marie Delfeno, his wife of 38 years, who passed in 2003 after battling cancer for nine years with Domenic at her side throughout.

Domenic worked as a Master Bricklayer & foreman throughout his decades long career. He was employed by Ernest DiSabatino and Sons, Joseph Rizzo & Sons, & Anthony Vantresca & Sons building most of the schools & business that we are familiar with today all around New Castle County. From 1981 through 1989, he served as President of Local #1 and from 1987 through 1997 became the Business Agent, while serving in parallel as a member of the International BAC Union Executive Council. Domenic was instrumental in negotiating most of the on the job rights bricklayers enjoy today along with establishing the Health & Welfare and Pension funds.  

Domenic was dedicated to service, especially towards the St. Anthony’s Community volunteering countless evenings and weekends. Throughout his working years, he would be frequently summoned personally by Father Roberto Balducelli to lay brick for projects such as the construction of Padua Academy & St. Anthony’s in the Hills. He was a Fournier Member of St Anthony’s Club in Wilmington for twenty years and decades long membership with Prince of Piedmont Lodge #475. Domenic stayed closely connected & grounded to the Italian American Community of Little Italy.

In retirement & after the passing of his beloved wife Marie, Domenic dedicated himself to his grandchildren & family. In 2004 Domenic reconnected with Anita Brindle, a high school classmate, which grew into a loving relationship until his passing.

In lieu of flowers please consider a contribution in Domenic's name to the Penn Lung Transplant Fund .

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, July 18, at 12:30pm at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 9th & DuPont St. Wilmington, DE 19805.

Family and friends may call on Monday from 9:30 to 11:30 at the Corleto Latina Family Center 807 N. Union St. Wilmington

Entombment will follow Mass in Cathedral Cemetery.

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