John A. DeFries, Sr.

John A. DeFries, Sr., 94, of Gardner Street, Fredonia, formerly of Forestville, died Saturday, January 7th, 2012 at Brooks Memorial Hospital, Dunkirk. He was born in Bayonne, NJ on November 19, 1917, the son of the late Henry and Grace (O'Connell) DeFries.

Mr. DeFries was a graduate of Cleveland Heights High School, Class of 1935 and graduated from the former Case School of Applied Science, Cleveland Ohio, with a Bachelor's Degree in Metallurgy in 1939. In 1940, he started with the former Allegany Ludlum Steel, Dunkirk as a Wire Mill Metallurgist, then became Chief Plant Metallurgist, Manager of Quality Control and Division Technical Specialist. In 1970 he became Plant Manager for the former Al-Tech Specialty Steel, Dunkirk, where he retired from in 1980. He returned as Plant Manager in 1985 and retired again in 1986. Then, in 2003 he became Director of Metallurgical Technology for Dunkirk Specialty Steel, LLC. He was a devoted member of Remnant of Christ's Ecclesia, Fredonia.

Survivors include a daughter, Martha White, of Portland; a son, John A. DeFries, Jr. of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia; two sisters, Barbara DeFries and Grace DeFries, both of Albany; and a brother, Robert M. (Esther) DeFries, of Frederick, MD. Also surviving are four grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents he was predeceased by his wife, Naomi (Carter) DeFries, whom he married June 26, 1943 in Buffalo and who died June 25, 2002; by a son, Andrew J. DeFries, who died June 16, 1982; and by three brothers: William, Richard and Henry DeFries.

There will be no visitation observed. Private Graveside Services will be at the convenience of family in Forestville Cemetery, with Milton C. Steiger, of Remnant of Christ's Ecclesia, Fredonia officiating.

Arrangements are by Riles & Woolley Funeral Home, Forestville. To post condolences, go to www.rilesandwoolleyfuneralhome.com.

By the Observer

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