Nathan Anthony DiFrancesco, 87, of Branford, passed away peacefully on May 9 at Connecticut Hospice, after a long battle with a string of serious health conditions. Throughout his illnesses, Nate never once complained, and even to the very end, when asked how he was doing, responded, “I’m good.” Nate was born in New Haven on September 13, 1926, son of the late Joseph and Catherine DiFrancesco.

After high school, Nate enlisted in the Army Air Corps, 325th Troop Carrier Squadron, served in Germany during the final years of World War II, and was honorably discharged in October of 1946. He received the Army of Occupation Victory Medal. After returning from his duty overseas, he attended Fordham University and graduated in 1949. Nate went on to earn his podiatry degree at Long Island University College of Podiatry in 1953.

Although Nate had his own private podiatry practice, his true passion was for being an educator and working with students for more than 40 years. He taught biology at Wilbur Cross High School in New Haven for many years, and would often fondly recall his role as trainer for the 1963 undefeated state championship football team. After leaving Cross, Nate held the position of director of counseling and career planning at Southern Connecticut State University until his retirement in 1997. Nate selflessly dedicated himself to helping students and greeted all members of the SCSU community, most of whom knew him simply as “Doc” or “Duke,” with a smile. Throughout his life, he thought of others before himself, and generously donated his time and services without ever wanting anything in return. In his free time, he loved to play golf and enjoyed vacationing in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Florida.

Nathan is survived by Sandy, his wife of 36 years; children Kara of Bend, Oregon, and Todd of Burlington, Vermont; brothers John of Guilford and Emilio of Hamden; and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

His funeral will leave the W. S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home, 244 North Main St., Branford, May 14 at 9:30 a.m. for a Mass of Christian burial in St. Therese Church, Branford, at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow in St. Lawrence Cemetery, West Haven. Friends may call May 13 from 4 to 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to Connecticut Hospice, 100 Double Beach Rd., Branford, CT 06405. For directions and an online memorial, please visit www.wsclancy.com.