John DeFrehn, a 40-year employee who rose through the ranks to become the Vecellio Group’s Secretary/ Treasurer and Vice President — Finance, passed away in June after a long illness.

John was hired in 1970 as an Accountant at Black Rock Contracting, a leading West Virginia paving company. In 1973, Vecellio & Grogan acquired Black Rock and John became part of the Vecellio Group. By that time John headed the payroll department.

In 1981, he became the Chief Administrative Officer of Black Rock. John transferred to Florida in 1982 when Ranger Construction was undergoing rapid growth. He worked as Controller and in 1983 became Secretary/Treasurer of PAVEX Corporation, Ranger Construction, Ft. Pierce Contracting Corp, and Vecellio Contracting Corp.

In 1998, John was promoted to Chief Financial Officer of Ranger Construction and in 2008 to Vice President – Finance of Vecellio Management Services.

John’s work ethic was above reproach and often he was the first to arrive in the morning and the last to leave in the evening. His candor and sense of humor were well known to both his associates and fellow team members. He will be sorely missed throughout the organization.


Co-workers, industry associates, friends and family members gathered June 30 to pay their respects and celebrate John DeFrehn’s life. Ranger Central Division President Mike Slade gave the eulogy.


John loved a good laugh and could always be counted on to tell an outrageous tale or two at company gatherings.


Ranger’s Mike Slade and John DeFrehn on one of their many adventurous golf outings.

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