Joseph P. DeFrino was born on October 17, 1936 in Lyndhurst, Bergen County, New Jersey. He graduated high school in Lyndhurst and attended Seaton Hall University.

Trooper DeFrino enlisted with the New Jersey State Police on June 29, 1959 as a member of the 55th State Police Class. He was stationed in Troop “B” and later Troop “D” Newark. His service with the Division was characterized by loyalty, fearless performance of duty and faithful and energetic devotion to the principles of the New Jersey State Police.

Trooper DeFrino died as a result of an automobile accident while in the line of duty.

On June 11, 1962, Trooper DeFrino was on patrol, riding north on the New Jersey Turnpike in Kearny, Hudson County, New Jersey. Troopers Milan Simcak and Arthur J. Abagnale, Jr. were passengers in the Troop car, being transported to Interchange #18 of the Turnpike where their private vehicles were parked. The weather conditions at the time were clear, bright sun and hot.

Trooper DeFrino was at milepost 108 north and was following a 1959 Mack Dump Truck off the Passaic River Bridge that had received a flat left front tire when his car was struck in the rear

Six civilians were injured. The three troopers, DeFrino, Simcak and Abagnale, were taken to West Hudson Hospital and were pronounced dead on arrival.

Trooper DeFrino served 2 years and 11 months with the New Jersey State Police.

Trooper DeFrino was survived by his parents. He was 25 years old.