Obituary of Benjamin R. Defibaugh

Smethport - Benjamin R. Defibaugh, 63, of Smethport, died Friday (November 18, 2011) in the Olean General Hospital, Olean, NY. He was born July 1, 1948 in Smethport, a son of Benjamin F. and Clara I. Shick Defibaugh. On October 1, 1977 in St. Joseph Church, Mt. Jewett, PA, he married Debbie A. Boyland, who survives. Mr. Defibaugh was a graduate of Smethport High School and served in the U.S. Army during Vietnam. Mr. Defibaugh was the Director of Veteran's Affairs for McKean County for 25 years, retiring in December, 2008. He was a member of St. Elizabeth Church, Smethport. In addition to his wife, he is survived by one son: John Defibaugh of Smethport, PA five sisters: Margaret Lemon of Rochester, NY; Donna (John) Hordubay of Smethport; Patricia (Tom) McCord of Farmington, NY; Beverly Defibaugh of Rochester, NY; Elizabeth (Richard) Brown of Wildwood, FL one brother: Howard F. (Anne) Defibaugh of Ridgway, PA; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Catherine Cunningham and Reta Eaton, and one brother, Robert J. Defibaugh. Visitation will be held privately with the family. Friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian burial at 10:00 am Monday in St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church, Smethport with the Rev. Vincent P. Cieslewicz, pastor as celebrant. Burial will be in St. Elizabeth Cemetery, Smethport. Memorials, if desired, may be made to the Handicap Accessibility Fund at St. Elizabeth Church, Smethport. Online condolences can be made at www.hartle-tarboxfuneralhomes.com. Arrangements are under the direction of the Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes, Inc., Smethport.