Charles "Charlie" DeFabritis

Charles “Charlie” DeFabritis, 75, Kokomo, passed away at 11:45 pm Wednesday, March 6, 2019, at his home.  He was born in Seymour, Indiana on December 5, 1943.  At the age of 5, he was chosen for adoption by Thomas and Opal DeFabritis. 

He graduated from Northwestern High School in 1961.  After attending classes at Indiana University at Kokomo in the Seiberling garage, he started working at Chrysler in 1963.  He began the Journeyman Electrician program in skilled trades, working many years as a supervisor, before returning to skilled trades.  After 30 years of service to Chrysler, he retired on December 31, 1993.  He was a Boy Scout Leader, coached baseball and softball, and enjoyed all activities with youth.  He was his children and grandchildren’s number one fan, attending most of their softball, soccer, basketball, and volleyball games.  He also enjoyed giving his grandkids tractor rides.  In retirement, he could be found helping the Miller Brothers farming, and was known as “Chisel Charlie.”  Charlie’s home was always open to all.  He had such a kind heart, and loved raising great-grandchildren with his wife for the past 12 years.

On March 9, 1963, he married Donna Jean Bone, celebrating almost 56 years of marriage.  They had 3 children, Charles Scott (JoEllen) DeFabritis, Galveston, Karen Jean (Scott) Alexander, Lake Orion, Michigan, and Julie Kay DeFabritis, Peru; 9 grandchildren, Stephanie Kay (Audley) Chastain, Brownsburg, Laura Anne Timmons, Kara Sue DeFabritis (John Stahl), and Charles Zachary DeFabritis, all of Kokomo, Joseph Scott Alexander, Matthew Thomas Alexander, Peter Mahlon (Briana) Alexander, Mary Kathryn Alexander, and Michael Marcial Alexander, all of Michigan; 6 great-grandchildren, Dakota Logan Chastain, Jackson Blade Chastain, Neveah Nicole Willits, Aniyah Breanne Willits, Zairemy Kolton Willits, and Asa Andres Chastain; sisters-in-law, Colleen Trueblood, and Cathy Bartlett, along with several special nieces and nephews that he adored.

Charlie was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Sandra Kay Prifogle; sister-in-law, Karen Sue Brubaker; brother-in-law, Thomas Bartlett; and his biological brother, Landon Bogard.

Funeral service will be held at 6:00 pm Monday, March 11, 2019, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 West Lincoln Road, Kokomo, with his friends, Dick Miller and Trent Odell officiating.  In keeping with Charlie’s wishes, cremation will follow and burial will be held at a later date in Albright Cemetery.  Friends are invited to visit with the family from 2-6 pm Monday at the funeral home.  Memorial contributions may be made in Charlie’s memory to the charity of the donor’s choice.  Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.  

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