Anthony Benjamin DeStefano

Anthony B. DeStefano (Dusty), 93, of Sylva’s East Fork community died Tuesday, June 19, 2018 at Harris Regional hospital.

He was born January 8, 1925 to the late Anthony Salvatore DeStefano of Philadelphia, PA and Marcia DeStefano of Stockton, MD. Anthony joined the Navy at the age of 17 and served from 1942 until 1946 during World War II, on the USS Haines. After serving in the Navy, he married the late Norma Lou Hall in 1946. He worked for the Federal Government at the Naval Ordinance Station, Indian Head, MD as a machinist until his retirement in 1980. In 1986 Anthony moved to Sylva, NC and has been a member of East Fork Baptist Church since.

Dusty was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Norma Lou DeStefano; son, Dennis Coleman DeStefano (Marcia) of Mobile, AL; daughters, Toni Lynn Balas (Jack) of Pfafftown, NC, Rebecca Lou Rinehart; son-in-law, David Rinehart; grandsons, Anthony and Jay Rinehart; and three sisters Eva Taylor and Husband Luther of Snow Hill, MD, Conciettia (Infant) and Roxanna (Infant) of Stockton, MD.

Surviving are his son, Eric Hall DeStefano (Vickie) of Waldorf, MD; a daughter, Gina Rae Milligan, Sylva, NC; seventeen grandchildren, thirty-seven great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren.

Dusty loved his family, his church family at East Fork Baptist , and his little dog, “Bullet” He enjoyed playing the accordion, working in the yard and watching all sporting events on television, especially baseball.

Funeral Services will be held Friday June 22, 2018 at 10:00am at East Fork Baptist Church with Rev. Dennis Burrell officiating. The family will receive friends Thursday June 21, 2018 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm at Appalachian Funeral Services . Burial will follow the service at East Fork Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to East Fork Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, c/o Katie Wood. 272 East Fork Church Rd. Sylva, NC 28779.