Joseph A. Frezzo

Joseph “Joe” Anthony Frezzo, of Elkton, MD., age 94, passed away on Thursday, August 28, 2025. Joseph was born in Toughkenamon, PA, in 1930, he was the son of the late Emedio Frezzo and the late Josephine (DeLarantis) Frezzo. He was the eldest of six children. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers Guido, Gabriel, and Emedio Jr.; his sister, Louise DiMarco.
Joe is survived by his brother, James Frezzo; his three daughters, Patricia Rathbun (Bruce), Susan Rzucidlo, and Joanne Casteel (“Bob” Robert); as well as his grandchildren, Joe Rathbun (Bethany), Miriam Kreher, PhD, (Seth), Phillip Rzucidlo (Chelsea Beningo), Benjamin Rzucidlo, Kathleen Rzucidlo, PhD, and Laura Rzucidlo (Christian Pardee) He was also blessed with a great-grandson, Calvin Kreher and many nieces and nephews.
In 1960, Joe married Bernice “Bernie” (Lytle) Frezzo Keehn, with whom he shared many years and three daughters. He later married Connie Smith, with whom he embraced two stepchildren, Robert Smith and Diane Smith, and step-grandchildren Heather Smith, Stephanie Lynn Peterson (Matthew), and Dana Smith, and step-great grandchildren, Parker and Colbie Peterson and Rowan Smith.
A lifelong hard worker with an entrepreneurial spirit, Joe was a mushroom grower and co-owner of both Avon Fuel and Frebro Inc., working alongside his brother Gabe. He also served on the Board of Directors of the American Mushroom Institute, supporting the mushroom industry he cared so deeply about. Never one to slow down, Joe also drove school buses and worked as a bus monitor, continuing in these roles until the age of 92.
Active in both work and community, Joe was a proud member of the Italian American Club in Kennett Square, where he enjoyed playing cards, sharing laughter, and making friends. He loved golfing, traveling, cooking, and above all, spending time with his family. He was a member of Christ Church at the Grove, where he found strength in faith and fellowship.
Joe will be remembered for his devotion to family, his love of conversation, and his wonderful sense of humor. He leaves behind a legacy of resilience, faith, and joy for life. His kindness, laughter, and the warmth he shared with others will be deeply missed and forever cherished.
A visitation to celebrate Joe’s life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 18th at Christ Church at the Grove, 1772 New London Road, Landenberg, PA 19350, followed by a service and a time of fellowship with refreshments.
In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor Joe’s memory in a lasting way—by helping to plant a tree or place a bench in his name. Donations may be sent to the Avondale Borough Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 247, Avondale, PA 19311, or to Christ Church at the Grove at https://rb.gy/9cd8v8.
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