Heaven just got a little sweeter. Damia (Donna) DeFrank of Tampa, FL, formerly of Niskayuna, NY, passed away peacefully on April 25, 2026.

Donna was born on July 27, 1928 in Veroli, Italy to Costantino and Annunziata Stirpe. When she was 2 years old, her family emigrated from Italy to the United States and settled in Schenectady.

Donna was a graduate of Mont Pleasant High School where she was secretary of her class and, according to the yearbook, the "apple of our eye." After high school, she was a secretary at General Electric. In 1951, she married Frank DeFrank. They were married for 62 years until his passing in 2013. For a little more than 20 years, she was a full-time wife and mother. After raising her children, she returned to the work force and was the executive assistant to the NY State Commissioner of Transportation.

Donna lived by the motto "everything in moderation" except when it came to family and friends. Her kitchen was filled with delicious food, love and laughter.
She was an avid reader. She loved to bowl, play pinochle, her silver sneaker classes, lunch with friends and in later years played Mahjong. She will always be remembered as a loving, nurturing mother, grandmother and wife, as well as a loyal friend. She was selfless and truly generous with her time.

She is survived by her daughter Mary Ann Gioia (Larry), son Jerry DeFrank (Nancy); grandchildren Laura Goodwin (Justin), Kathryn Gioia, Timothy DeFrank, Michael Messler; great-grandchildren Tessa and Sawyer Goodwin and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Frank DeFrank, brother Gino Stirpe, twin brother Dante Stirpe and 3 nieces.

A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, May 8th, 2026, at 9 a.m.at Saint Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Church, 1803 Union Street, Niskayuna. There will be no calling hours. Interment will be at St. Joseph's Cemetery, 100 Kings Road, Schenectady.

Condolence messages may be left at www.gleasonfuneralhomeinc.com