Cory Lawrence DeFrances, 63, of Salem Township, passed away on July 3, 2024, at home surrounded by his loving family. He was born June 28, 1961, in Greensburg, to Wayne and the late Arlene (Lawrence) DeFrances. He graduated from Greensburg Salem High School. He worked as a journeyman machinist for Westinghouse. He retired from the Municipal Water Authority of Westmoreland County, with 23 years, of service as a backhoe operator. He enjoyed his job, and it was once said he was the best backhoe operator in the company. Cory constructed a dirt bike track on the family farm for the enjoyment of his children and their friends. His passion was restoring any engine that was considered unrepairable, putting life back into classic cars, tractors, and motorcycles. Cory put his heart and soul into his farm that he grew up on, it meant everything to him. In addition to his mother, Cory was preceded in death by his grandparents, Louis and Stella DeFrances, and John and Josephine Lawrence. Cory is survived by his wife of 43 years, Dawn "Missy" (Smith) DeFrances; two daughters, Shanna DeFrances, and Danielle (P.D) Dunegan; three sons, Blaise (Charlenne) DeFrances, Sage (Nicole) DeFrances, and Dace (Christina) DeFrances. Nine grandchildren, Caleb, Mia, Drexel, Finn, Shea, Teig, Vayda, Graham, and Cecelia, who all lovingly called him Pancho! His father, Wayne DeFrances; brother, Monte (Alyssa) DeFrances; sister, Marie DeFrances; and her husband, Reza Zarnegar. His father-in-law, and mother-in-law, William (Doris) Smith; brother-in-law, Shawn (Honda) Smith; and several nieces and nephews. Cory will be sadly missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. Our family wishes to extend special thanks to Tom of AHN Hospice, we believe he was hand-picked for Cory, as he used to race motocross at Steel City. In addition, special thanks to Dr. Melissa Burgess and her team at the Hillman Cancer Center for their sincere support shown to Cory and his family. Our thanks to the Vaia family for always being there for Cory through his cancer journey. Respecting the family's wishes, all arrangements are private. VAIA FUNERAL HOME INC., 463 Athena Dr., Delmont, (724-468-1177), has been entrusted with the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Cory's memory may be made to www.reagansjourney.org or donate a fruit tree to our DeFrances Farm Orchard Project in Memory of Cory DeFrances, www.happywishlist.com/corydefrances. To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.