John Henry DiFabio

John Henry DiFabio, 67, of Thompsontown, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, June 1, 2023 at his home while working in his garden.  He was born Monday, July 4, 1955 in Chester County to the late Henry and Catherine (Opdenaker) DiFabio. He is survived by his stepmother, Harriett DiFabio.

He graduated from Sun Valley High School in 1973 and served in the US Marine Corps during the Vietnam War earning numerous decorations, medals, badges and commendations including the Rifle Expert Badge.  He was a distinguished boxer and shooting instructor during his honorable service and was on the last flight from the Embassy in Saigon.  He attended Penn State University and worked for the USDA as a Federal Meat Inspector and served as a Deputy Sheriff in Juniata County.  He retired after working many years for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.  He was a member of the American Legion, VFW and Disabled American Veterans.  He enjoyed all things outdoors including hunting, fishing, travelling and gardening.  He was proud of his Italian heritage embracing wine making and cooking.  He was an amazing story teller and made friends wherever he went.  His family was of the utmost importance to him, especially his four beloved grandchildren.  His powerful physical presence was second only to his larger than life smile, uncanny wit and loveable personality.     

He is survived by a daughter, Teresa A.M. Hitchcock and fiancé Brent Zeiders of Harrisburg; three sons, Angelo G. DiFabio of Palmyra, Gianni F.P. DiFabio of Auburn, WA, Michele M. DiFabio of Harrisburg; three grandsons, Luke Hitchcock, Cruz Zeiders, Rome Zeiders; a granddaughter, Tia DiFabio; three brothers, Peter DiFabio, Henry “Hank” DiFabio and wife Marianne, Louis DiFabio (Brian Gainey); two sisters, Rita Shaffer and husband Scott, Andrea DiFabio and many nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by two brothers, Stephen DiFabio and Francis DiFabio.

Family and friends are invited for visitation on Friday, June 23rd from 9:30 to 10:30 AM at Rothermel-Finkenbinder Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 25 West Pine Street, Palmyra, PA 17078.  A graveside service with full military honors will be held at 11:30 AM at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, Annville.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his honor to PA Wounded Warriors, Inc., 1117 Country Club Rd., Camp Hill PA 17011 or www.pasoundedwarriors.org or Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250 or www.dav.org.  Condolences and memories may be shared at www.finkenbinderfamily.com

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