Mary P. DeFabio 1940-2024

She was born March 17, 1940, in Youngstown, the daughter of Nicholas and Mary Delores Corcoran Colla.

Mary was a 1958 graduate of Ursuline High School and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in education from Youngstown State University.

Mary was a retired teacher from St. Charles School and the Youngstown City Schools. She was a member of St. Luke Church. She taught CCD at St. Luke, St. Patrick of Youngstown, St. Joseph Churches and Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Basilica. She served on parish council at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Basilica, and along with others, organized the first Our Lady of Mt. Carmel festival. Mary was a member of the Youngstown Cursillo Movement and the first Christ Renews His Parish at St. Luke Church, under the direction of Father Ashton.

In her spare time, Mary volunteered for 50 years with the American Heart Association, American Lung Association, American Cancer Society, American Diabetes Association and Mother’s March of Dimes.

Her high school sweetheart, Ralph J. DeFabio, whom she married June 27, 1964, passed away Nov. 26, 2023.

Mary will always be remembered lovingly by three children, Kathy (Jeff) Yaist, Ron (Kim) DeFabio and Michelle Napolitano; four grandchildren, Dr. Alexandria DeFabio, Ryan Yaist, A.J. (fiance Emily) Yaist and Samantha DeFabio; sister, Georgia Leone (Jim); many loving nieces and nephews, whom she loved dearly; and many wonderful friends.

Besides her husband and parents, Mary was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Frank Napolitano.

The family will receive relatives and friends 10 to 10:45 a.m. Thursday, April 18, 2024, at St. Luke Church in Boardman, followed by an 11 a.m. memorial Mass.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests monetary donations be made to the Rescue Mission of Mahoning Valley, 1300 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Youngstown, OH 44510.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the professional care of the Rossi Brothers and Lellio Funeral Home, 4442 South Ave. in Boardman. Family and friends are encouraged to offer prayers for the family and support via phone call, text, email or may visit the Book of Memories at www.rossifunerals.com.

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