Maria Distefano

Maria Distefano, of Medina, NY, entered into rest on Tuesday, August 19, 2025.

Maria, the daughter of the late Antonio and Concetta (Di Stefano) Furnari, was born March 27, 1940, in Braidi, Sicily, Italy. After a whirlwind romance, Maria married the love of her life, the late Philip M. Distefano, on October 11, 1958, in her hometown. In 1959, at 19 years old, she bravely immigrated to the United States. The couple settled in Medina and lived their lives in the historic canal town.

Maria dedicated her life to caring for her family. She was a true matriarch and a loving mother and grandmother to her four children and her eight grandchildren, who were the light of her life. Food was one of her love languages, and she enjoyed cooking delicious holiday meals for the whole family—and did so well into her 80s. Maria will be remembered for her devotion to her family and her unwavering support and care for her husband, Philip, through his long battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Outside of her family life, Maria volunteered with the TWIG Association at Medina Memorial Hospital. It was in her nature to help people, and she regularly donated to the local food pantry. Maria was an active parishioner of Holy Trinity Parish, St. Mary’s Church, and belonged to the Catholic Daughters of America.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her beloved husband, Philip Distefano, in 2003.

She is survived by her children, Joseph (Dorothy) Distefano, Anthony (Loraine) Distefano, Francine (Douglas) Johnston, and Lynnet (Scott) Millman; eight grandchildren, Emily (Aaron) Clough, David Johnston, Samuel Distefano, Jack (Courtney) Distefano, Joseph Distefano, Danielle Distefano, Alexis Distefano, and Isabella Millman; great-grandchild, Logan Clough; and siblings, Vincenzina and Vincenzo Furnari.

Her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, August 30, at 11:00 AM at Holy Trinity Parish, St. Mary’s Church, 211 Eagle St., Medina. Interment will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are greatly appreciated to the Philip M. Distefano Library at the Oak Orchard Primary School, 335 W. Oak Orchard St., Medina, NY 14103. Arrangements are in the care of Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina.