Lawrence Michael De Falco

Lawrence Michael DeFalco (August 25, 1915 – September 22, 1979) was an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church. He served as Bishop of Amarillo from 1963 to 1979.

Biography

Early life The eldest of nine children, Lawrence DeFalco was born on August 25, 1915, in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, to Rosario and Margret (née Desmone) DeFalco. His father came from Atena Lucana, Italy and worked as a streetcar company foreman. However, he was forced to enter St. John's Home Mission Seminary at Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1935, due to the Great Depression. After his ordination, the diocese assigned Morris as a curate at St. Patrick's Parish in Fort Worth. In 1952, he was named vice-chancellor of what was now the Diocese of Dallas-Fort Worth.

Death and legacy After being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, DeFalco resigned as bishop of Amarillo on August 28, 1979. He died on September 22, 1979, in Amarillo at age 64. He is buried at Llano Cemetery in Amarillo.