George S. DiFrancesco of Downingtown

George S. DiFrancesco, 84, of Downingtown, PA, passed away peacefully on Oct. 17, 2016, surrounded by his family. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He shared 55 years of marriage with his wife Genevieve “Jeanne”, prior to her passing in January.

George was born in Bryn Mawr and raised on his parents’ farm in Willistown. He was a devout Catholic and active parishioner at SS. Philip & James in Exton, where he and Jeanne attended daily Mass.

George’s professional career began at Clifton Precision Products in Milwaukee. He ultimately returned to Pennsylvania and became a successful real estate developer, builder, and investor. From the 1960s to mid 1980s when George retired, his firm built hundreds of homes in the Philadelphia suburbs.

He and Jeanne supported many charitable organizations, and George served on several boards. He was past Chairman of the West Whiteland Township Board of Supervisors; past Commodore of the Georgetown Yacht Club; and past President of the Chester County Home Builders Association. He was involved in politics, and held various positions in the Chester County Republican Party. He served in the US Navy during the Korean Conflict.

George had many interests and hobbies. He was a lover of animals, especially his “grand-dogs”. He was a self-taught musician. He was a talented craftsman and woodworker, and enjoyed building everything from structures to furniture. He loved working on engines, cars and boats, and tinkering with anything mechanical. He once helped a friend build a single-engine airplane, and fully restored an antique Chris-Craft speedboat. He enjoyed reading, music, watching sports, walking every day, spending time with family and friends, and following national politics.

George’s passion was boating. He spent every summer and fall with his family cruising the Chesapeake Bay, and made countless friends within Maryland’s boating community. George was a skilled captain and navigator, and also made many longer trips with his boat, including cruises to Maine, Nantucket, Newport, Cape May, and Florida.

George is survived by his four children: Steve (Diane McLaughlin) DiFrancesco, Cindy (Mark) Longenecker, Greg DiFrancesco, and Mike (Veronica) DiFrancesco; six grandchildren: Caitlyn Longenecker; Gregory, Griffin and Garrett DiFrancesco; Michael Jr. and Joseph DiFrancesco and four granddogs: Barclay, Gilligan, Eli and Lila.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, October 21, 2016, at St. Joseph Church, 338 Manor Ave., Downingtown. Visitation for family and friends will be held before the Mass at 9:45 - 10:45 a.m. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to three of George’s favorite charities: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105; To Love a Canine Rescue (www.tlcrescuepa.com) or the American Cancer Society, 1626 Locust Street, Philadelphia, Pa 19103.

Online condolences may be made at www.jamesterryfuneralhome.com.