Joseph Deluca

Joseph DeLuca passed away on January 21, 2022.  He’s survived by his beloved wife Mary DeLuca of nearly 59 years, his brother Robert DeLuca , his three children:  Joseph, Maryann and James and eight amazing grandchildren.

Joseph DeLuca was born on October 25, 1932 in Manchester, NH to Dominic and Celia DeLuca in the midst of the great depression.  Shortly after his birth, his family moved to New York City where they settled and he grew up in the borough of Queens.

A penchant for music and entertainment he founded a group named the “Aristocrats of Rhythm “which played for weddings and bar mitzvahs.  During his sophomore year in high school his family moved back to NH where he completed his high school career at Manchester Central.  His accomplishments while attending Central High School, he became the student director of two Broadway theater productions.  After graduation in 1950 he took that passion for the theater back to NYC were he secured a position with Warner Brothers.

When the call to protect our country developed for the Korean War, he enlisted into the USCG for four years on board the USCGC Duane as the ship’s Yeoman and Supply Officer.  Lured by aviation he reenlisted into the USAF where he was stationed in Germany for four years as an attaché to the fledgling CIA in the early years of the cold war.

After completing his military career, he reconnected with the love of his life Mary T. Russo.  They were married on May 25, 1963. They returned to NY / NJ where he started a retail career with Sears and where all three children were born.  In 1972 he was promoted as the NE Catalog District Manager for Sears.  He moved the family back to NH and settled in Hooksett until 1987. When his career with Sears finished, he operated a Real Estate Management & Property Company and a Hallmark Store called Willows Cards and Gift Store.

He was always an avid RV traveler.  As the retirement years came calling his travels in the RV took him to Naples, FL a place they called home for nearly 16 years.  A committed “Snow Bird “he faithfully returned to NH to spend the summers in the Lakes Region of NH.  As the grandchildren started to arrive he transitioned with them, moving from Naples to Kissimmee, FL in order to be closer to Disney World.  After nearly 10 years in Kissimmee they finally settled in Spring Hill, FL. His youngest son James and his family still call home today.

He is survived by his Wife, Brother and his children’s families: Joseph & Julie DeLuca and their two boys Alexander and Douglas from Windham, NH, Michael & MaryAnn  (DeLuca) Boucher formerly and their two boys Cameron and Connor from Manchester, NH, James & Mandy DeLuca and their four children Audrey, Celia, Helena and Annalie reside in Spring Hill, FL.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 AM on Saturday, February 5, 2022 at St. Catherine of Siena Parish 207 Hemlock St, Manchester, NH.

In lieu of flowers  memorial donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Act.alz.org