Victor P. DeBacco, 86 of Bradys Bend died Sunday November 27, 2016 at the Good Samaritan Hospice, Cabot. 

Born April 20, 1930 to Paul and Grace (Silverio) DeBacco of "Blue Row" Bradys Bend Twp, he was the fourth child of ten and second son.

Vic was educated in a one room school (Pine Run) during the years of "The Great Depression." He walked to work each morning before school at Lewis' Dairy farm and then walked to school. His childhood duties included helping his dad "Tatta" and older brother John provide for the younger siblings. Feeding pigs and chickens as well as hoeing corn, and tending the family gardens were just part of a normal day.

The family’s move to Roseville was the highlight of his childhood and symbolic of the blessings of God from the bondage of poverty to the freedom of plenty. Victor walked from Bradys Bend to Bruin in his young teenage years to work at a saw mill that provided white oak staves for the barrel industry.

He received an honorary diploma from Karns City High School for responding to the call to the United States Army during the Korean conflict where he achieved the rank of Corporal. He received the Korean Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the United Nations medal, and the Presidents Unit Citation for bravery. He also served in the U.S Air Force Reserves for 6 years.

He married Florence Galassi on October 29, 1955 and for 61 years she was the light of his life, his right hand and his comfort. After the military, he spent 30 years at RexHide Incorporated where upon its closing in 1976, he was a shift foreman and traveled to both Tyler, Texas and Grafton, West Virginia to assist and train in the startup of branch facilities. Vic changed his birth certificate at age 15 to get his job at RexHide and made it six months before he got caught. At age 48, he landed a job at Witco Chemical Corporation where he worked for 10 years as an operator. He also worked for a security firm as a guard and finally retired from Allegheny Heat Treating at age 65.

After his retirement, he worked for Bradys Bend Water and Sewer Authority and served as Bar Steward for the American Legion. Victor spoke both English and Italian fluently. He loved gardening and sitting on his porch where he called the view "heaven on earth."

For many years Victor tended a bearing fig tree and his first ripe fig each year was awarded to his mother. He was also able to bloom a Hawaiian Hibiscus in a north-east climate. He always spoke fondly of his parents and stayed very close to his siblings.

Vic was an avid baseball and softball player. He played competitively until the age of 40. While in the army, he had a tryout with the New York Yankees where he batted against the famous Yankee pitcher Whitey Ford. He coached little league baseball in the East Brady Area for many years.

A member of St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church, Victor served on the building committee where he committed his monthly gift even when he wasn’t sure he could afford it. He was a member of The Holy Name Society and the Young at Heart.   He also worked on the St. Mary's Cemetery Committee for over 15 years.

He was a member of The American Legion Post #488 for over 40 years, the Sons of Italy Rinascenza Italica #1484, the Bradys Bend and Chicora Senior Centers.   He loved his "big chair" Mash reruns, All in the Family and Pittsburgh Steelers Football.

He is survived by his wife Florence DeBacco of Bradys Bend, 2 daughters; Diana DeBacco of Bradys Bend, Linda and husband David Bard of Chicora and 4 sons; Victor and wife Sharon DeBacco of West Sunbury, Paul DeBacco of Karns City, Stephen DeBacco (Karen Delaney) of Bradys Bend and Edward and wife Deborah DeBacco of Karns City.

Vic is also survived by 2 sisters; Philomenia Greenawalt and Loretta (Francis) Posey, 6 brothers; John (Irene) DeBacco, Ralph DeBacco, Robert (Betty) DeBacco, Ronald (Jane) DeBacco, Dominic (Yvonne) DeBacco, Louis (Mary) DeBacco, 17 Grandchildren and 14 Great Grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and 1 sister Ann Andreassi.

Friends of Victor P. DeBacco will be received 2:00-4:00, 6:00-8:00PM Thursday December 1, 2016 at Buechele Funeral Home and Cremation Services Inc. 707 Kellys Way, East Brady, PA 16028
A Parish Prayer Service will be held at 3:00 PM Thursday in the Funeral Home.

An American Legion Service will be held at 6:00 PM Thursday in the Funeral Home.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM Friday at St. Patrick Church, Bradys Bend with Rev. John Butler officiating.

Military Honors, Committal and Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Bradys Bend.

The DeBacco Family asks that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made in Victor’s name to Good Samaritan Hospice 134 Marwood Road, Cabot, PA 16023

To view or express condolences, please visit www.BuecheleFuneralHome.com

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