Nicholas Eugene DeFazio (Nick) was born March 15, 1940 and passed away on April 16, 2018 with his family by his side. Nick is survived by Jeannie (Levin) DeFazio, wife of 33 years; his children, Nicholas Daniel and Anne Elise, and cousins in Erie, Pa., and Joliet, Ill. Nick became a father at age 44 and always said this was his most wonderful achievement, he excelled at being the most caring and patient father. He graduated from Cathedral Preparatory High School and Gannon College where he was president of Alpha Phi Delta Fraternity. He continued his education at Kent State University where he completed a Master's degree in School Psychology and Ph.D. in Special Education. Nick worked as a psychologist for the Stark County Board of MRDD, Children's Medical Center of Akron, multiple school districts, group homes, and in his private practice. Nick was an adjunct professor at Walsh, Kent, and Akron universities. Nick always gave his time and talent to working one on one with kids, Our Lady of Peace School, the Focolare Movement, and his church, Christ the Servant Parish. He was most happy helping people. As much as he loved his family, work, and service, Nick loved baseball. He played softball, fumbleball, and baseball, some years playing on multiple teams, until he was 70 years old, and even made it to the world series! Many nights were spent in the emergency room with a broken nose or finger from attempting to catch a ball in the outfield or sliding/fumbling into every base. He had a record number of broken noses. Nick also loved reading, history, and especially music--both trying to sing and trying to dance. Even when his memory faded, he didn't forget how to dance. He taught his kids to play all the key games: H-O-R-S-E, flashlight tag, poker, mumblety-peg, pool, wrestling, and of course, baseball. He made infamous Thanksgiving day scavenger hunts. Nick was preceded in death by his parents, Carmela Marie (Mancuso) DeFazio and Nicholas Anthony DeFazio; infant brother, Raymond DeFazio; in-laws, Ruth and David Levin; as well as beloved grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. In alignment with his study of the mind, he has chosen to donate himself to the Brain Donation Program of the Cleveland Clinic, in hopes to impact research on neurodegenerative diseases. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Our Lady of Peace School Endowment Fund or Christ the Servant Teaching Corps. Scholarship to support future Walsh University educators and children at Our Lady of Peace School (330.492.0757). The family wishes to thank caregivers at SarahCare, Allay Senior Care and Crossroads Hospice for their kindness and compassion. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated May 5, 2018 at 11 a.m. at Christ the Servant Parish, 833-39th Street NW, Canton, Ohio with Monsignor Lewis Gaetano officiating, with a luncheon following. Nick loved sharing stories, and since he couldn't tell them in his later years, please bring yours to share.