Frank J. DeJohn

He was born in Jamestown, NY on August 17, 1937 the son of the late Samuel and Mary (Arnone) DeJohn.

A graduate of Fredonia High School, class of 1955, where he was a member of the wrestling and baseball teams. It was not long after graduation he married his wife of 66 years, Shirley Ann Gervase, on September 21, 1957.

Frank was an avid businessman and family man, often hosting his large family at pool parties and on vacations.

In the 1990s he worked as a realtor for Century 21 in Florida.

Along with his wife they owned many businesses throughout the village and the surrounding area including three Red Barn restaurants, The Lion’s Gate Lounge, Goby Dick’s, the Park Diner, New York, NY Steakhouse, the Fredonia Bicycle Shop and of course DeJohn’s Spaghetti House (formerly known as the Park Pub).

A social butterfly, Frank made many lifelong friends and acquaintances; often entertaining them with jokes and stories and most of all his singing of Frank Sinatra songs; he will be most remembered for his renditions of “My Way” and “New York, New York.”

When he wasn’t running his businesses he could be found playing poker with his buddies or enjoying BINGO with his wife; he also loved going to Las Vegas where he was able to meet his idol, Frank Sinatra and was able to sit with him for many hours into the evening.

He was a sports enthusiast in his younger years especially when it came to bowling and was a member of several leagues. He also loved the Buffalo Bills and looked forward to all the games.

In addition he loved to maintain his lawn on his riding mower and was a member of various clubs within the community.

In 1990 Frank received the Spirit of Fredonia award in recognition of dedication and service to the village. Frank gave back to his community in various ways by sponsoring bowling teams, organizations and community events; he will be deeply missed by all.

Besides his wife, he is survived by his four children, Frank (Loribeth) DeJohn of Largo, FL; Michael DeJohn of Newport Richey, FL; Randy (Samantha) DeJohn of Fredonia and Lisa (Randy) Mancuso of Fredonia, four grandchildren, Joey Scandurra; Ashley Nicole (Nate) DeJohn; Johnny Scandurra and Jesse DeJohn, four great grandchildren, Landyn Michael; Olivia Mae; Aria Nicole and Eliana Grace, one brother Richard (Donna) DeJohn of FL, two sisters, Angela (Bill) McDermott of Fl and Sandra (late Robert) Mackowiak of Fredonia as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Frank was predeceased by his parents as well as his brother in law Robert Mackowiak, sister in law Linda (Gervase) Bates.

Family and friends may join in a mass of Christian burial at St. Anthony’s Church Saturday, January 27 at 11 am. Private inurnment will be at the convenience of the family at St. Joseph’s cemetery.

Arrangements by FANTAUZZI FUNERAL HOME, 82 East Main Street, Fredonia, NY.