John J. Defeo, Jr. of Gettysburg, PA passed away on Monday, September 21, 2026 at Genesis Gettysburg Center after a short illness.
Born August 24, 1945 at the U.S. Naval Hospital in Oakland, CA, he was the son of the late John J. Defeo, Sr. and Marjorie Ruth (Turner) Defeo.
John was predeceased by his wife, Nancy M. Defeo who died in 2024.
He attended 12 different schools from kindergarten through 12th grade as his father was serving in the U.S. Navy. John attended school for two years in Bermuda and eventually graduated from high school in Washington, DC.
He attended a Cincinnati, Ohio Seminary for a year and transferred and earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA, majoring in public relations.
He worked for many years as a sports reporter for the Valley News Dispatch and then for twenty years was the sales manager at WTYM Radio before his retirement.
John met his wife, Nancy, in Tarentum, PA, in 1967, married in 1968, and lived in Natrona Heights, PA, until 2011 when they moved to Biglerville, PA to be near family.
His Catholic faith was very important to him. John was a very active member of St. Joseph The Worker Catholic Church in Bonneauville, PA, where he led the Rosary before Mass each weekend and served as an Extraordinary Minister. He was known for his colorful outfits, outgoing nature and playing his guitar.
John is survived by his step-son, Christopher Monzi and his wife Julie of Gettysburg and three step-grandchildren, Emily, Abigail and Scott.
He was predeceased by a half-brother, Charles Battreal. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, September 30, 2026 at St. Joseph The Worker Catholic Church with Fr. Benny Jose, Celebrant.
Interment will follow the Mass in St. Joseph Cemetery.
A Viewing will be held at the church one hour prior to the Mass.
The Monahan Funeral Home in Gettysburg is assisting the family with the funeral arrangements, online tributes and condolences can be made at the funeral home’s website.
