Rocky Paul DeFrank Sr.

Rocky Paul DeFrank Sr., 69, of Girard, passed away peacefully, Sunday evening, Aug. 11, 2024, in the comfort of his home.

Born on July 22, 1955, in Youngstown, Ohio, he was the cherished son of the late John Anthony and Phyllis Christina DeFrank.

He grew up on Youngstown’s East side and graduated from East High School. 

Professionally, Rocky was a gifted chef. He spent the majority of his career running the kitchen at the Mahoning Country Club in Girard until its closure. Afterward he found a new home at Fairhaven in Niles where he was beloved by all those he worked with, especially the kids who referred to him as “Mr. Rocky”. 

He had a passion for cooking, singing, football and of course family. He was well known in the area for his phenomenal hot peppers, which will be sorely missed by all whoever had the privilege to taste them. He had a unique and powerful singing voice that he loved using to entertain all those around him. He was a loyal fan of the Miami Dolphins and football in general. You could always find him on a Sunday relaxing and enjoying a game. Nothing was more important to him than his family and friends which he had many wonderful gatherings for that involved a lot of delicious food, music, laughter and love. 

Rocky is survived by the love of his life Karla Steele; four sons and one daughter, Rocky (Meghan Hillier) DeFrank Jr. of Warren, Rocky (Alecia) DeFrank of Boardman, Justin (Adrien Foutz) Dillon of Springfield, James DeFrank of Niles and Desiree (Zachary) Cline of Niles; one stepdaughter and one stepson, Nicole (Anthony Marino) Steele of Warren and Billy (Noelle Migliozzi) Steele of Warren; two sisters, Madelyn Prologo of Struthers and France (Tony) Sferra of Boardman; eighteen grandchildren, four step grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Rocky was preceded in death by his two brothers John DeFrank Jr. and James DeFrank. 

Arrangements for his cremation have been entrusted to WM Nicholas Funeral Home in Niles, Ohio. To send condolences, flowers or donations you can contact the family directly or the funeral home at (330) 505-6196 and www.nicholasfuneralhome.com.

A memorial gathering will be held on Saturday August 31, 2024, at 4:00pm at 8590 Hitchcock Rd. Boardman, Ohio.