Obituary of Vincent D. DeStafeno

Vincent D. DeStafeno, 78, of Middletown, NY passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, July 11, 2010 at Orange Regional Medical Center-Arden Hill Campus, Goshen, NY. Vincent was born June 28, 1932 in Chester, NY, the son of the late Guy and Emily (Banich) DeStafeno. He was predeceased by his wife of 42 years, Janice DeStafeno, his baby daughter Kristen Arlene Destafeno, and his brother John "Jimmy" DeStafeno. Vince attended Chester schools and was employed by Evan's Dairy (formerly known as DeStafeno's Dairy) in Chester, as a mechanic at HL Ayers in Middletown, and most recently worked as a taxi driver in Goshen. He loved music and played accordion in a band called "The Ramblers." He was a devoted husband, father, brother and grandfather. A big man with a soft heart, Vince was hard-working, sensitive and always put others before himself. He loved family barbecues and was known to laugh harder at his jokes than the audience to who he was telling them. He was "one in a million" and will be deeply missed. He is survived by his girlfriend Carol Cebellos of Chester; daughter, Sheryl DeStafeno and her partner Marilyn Bowe of Hyde Park, NY; his sons, Vincent J. DeStafeno of Goshen, Steven L. DeStafeno of Middletown; brother, Michael P. DeStafeno and his wife Lois of Chester, NY; granddaughter Kristen Janice Thornton-DeStafeno of Hyde Park, NY; his uncle, nieces, nephews, cousins and many, many friends. Visitation will be Wednesday, July 14 from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. at Donovan Funeral Home, Inc, 82 South Church Street, Goshen, NY. The funeral will be held 11:00 am on Thursday, July 15 at Donovan Funeral Home, Inc., 82 South Church Street, Goshen, NY. Burial will be in St. Columba Cemetery, Chester, NY. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made towards Vince's granddaughter Kristen's college education, as she was truly Poppy's pride and joy. Checks may be made payable to Kristen Thornton-DeStafeno and please send to 926 Violet Avenue, Hyde Park, NY 12538. Arrangements under the care of the Donovan Funeral Home, Inc., Goshen, NY. To leave the family a personal condolence please visit www.donovanfunerals.com