Mary Frances DeFabo

Mary Frances (Rocco) DeFabo, 82, of Crabtree, died peacefully Wednesday, July 02, 2025 at home surrounded by her family. She was born in Greensburg, a daughter of the late James Domenic Rocco Sr. and Genevieve (DeFloria) Rocco.

“Chic,” as she was known to all who loved her, spent her life giving of herself in countless capacities. Her generosity was boundless, her love inexhaustible, her kindness unequalled.

This was exemplified most fully in the everyday acts of love, big and small, which she effortlessly performed. Chic was a member of St. Bartholomew Church, but grew up in Our Lady of Grace Church, where she began her journey of faith and worked as the parish secretary. She was also a proud, longtime member of the Cercemaggiore Association.

After marriage, Chic took on a vital role in the family business, Rizzo’s Malabar Inn. With relentless self-sacrifice, Chic worked side by side with her husband and children, navigating the turbulence of family business with a grace only she could possess. She endeared herself to all she met through the restaurant by setting aside all personal concerns and offering a bright smile, a warm welcome, and a genuine invitation to all to become part of her family. She did all this while simultaneously creating a home for her own in which faith blossomed, love reigned, and tradition grew stronger across the generations. In her son’s words, “My mother is the foundation of our family and our business; her influence has impacted every facet of our lives.”

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a circle of beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, brothers- and sisters-in-law - all of whom held a special place in her heart and whose light she kept perpetually shining.

She is survived by the family she loved so deeply: her “Babe,” devoted husband of 56 years, Jerome DeFabo Sr; two loving sons Jerome DeFabo Jr. and Rezero Joseph DeFabo (Sean); two grandchildren, Nonna’s pride and joy, Dominic Sebastiano DeFabo and wife Hannah, and Carmen Rosina DeFabo; and a great-grandson, “her baby,” Natalino Liberis DeFabo. Also left behind are her brothers James Rocco Jr. and Frank Rocco (Holly); Brothers and Sisters-in-Law, Lorraine (Joseph) Poletini, Dennis (Teri) Kepchia, and Annette Lancaster; beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins each with whom she shared a unique bond; and her dearest friend, Sandra DeLallo, whose love is that of a sister.

Chic was the kindest, gentlest soul and a blessing to all she met. God has called home a genuine angel.

Relatives and friends of Chic will be received Saturday 5 to 8 p.m., and Sunday 1 to 6 p.m. in the Clement L. Pantalone Funeral Home, Inc. 409 W. Pittsburgh Street, Greensburg, PA 15601, (724) 837-0020.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated Monday at 10:00 a.m. in the St. Bartholomew Church, Crabtree with Fr. Justin Matro, OSB, celebrating. Everyone please go directly to the Church.

Private interment will follow in Calvary Hill Cemetery, Crabtree.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Catholic Charities of Greensburg, 711 East Pittsburgh Street, or Clelian Heights School for Exceptional Children, 135 Clelian Heights Lane, both in Greensburg, PA 15601.

Chic’s family has entrusted her care to the Pantalone Funeral Home Inc., Greensburg. For online condolences / directions, visit us at pantalone.com. Natale N. Pantalone, supervisor.