Francis Michael DeLuco

Boardman – There will be a Mass of Christian Burial held on Monday, January 21, 2019, at 1:00 p.m. at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Basilica, Youngstown, with the Very Rev. Msgr. Michael J. Cariglio Jr.  officiating, preceded by a 12:15 p.m. prayer service at the Rossi & Santucci Funeral Home, Boardman, for Francis Michael DeLuco, 96, of Campbell, who passed away on Wednesday afternoon, January 16, 2019 with his loving children by his side.

Francis will always be remembered and loved for his generosity, sense of humor, and great love for his family and friends.  His family will always lovingly remember Francis (“Uncle Wankie” and “Papa D”) as he thoroughly enjoyed every holiday and family event with them, making these memorable times for everyone.

He was born June 5, 1922 in Youngstown, the son of Anthony and Esperina (Worrellia) DeLuco and was a lifelong area resident.

Francis attended East High School and then was a proud United States Army veteran serving during World War II.  He earned the rank of Private First Class serving with the 3rd Reconnaissance Troop overseas in Italy, Rhineland, France and Central Europe.  Francis was awarded the following decorations for his service to our country:  the Good Conduct Medal, EAME Theater Service Medal with 5 service stars, and the World War II Victory Medal.  He received an Honorable Discharge on December 16, 1945.

Francis retired in 1983 from General Fireproofing where he worked in the press room for 44 years.  He also worked along side his wife Lucille, for her business of DeLuco Catering Service, for over 40 years catering many private events for families over generations, as well as celebrations at St. Anthony Church and St. Lucy Roman Catholic Church. 

In 1993, Francis was selected by the Youngstown Italian Fest committee as the “Italian Man of the Year” recognizing him for carrying on many traditions of the Italian community, and fostering pride in his cultural heritage.   

He was a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Basilica, St. Angela Merci Parish, and St. Lucy Roman Catholic Church where he loved helping in the kitchen during festivals and parish events.  He was a founding member of the Arco Veterans Club.    

Francis had many passions throughout his life. He loved to make wine, which he shared with his family and friends.  He loved to cook his favorite potatoes and zucchini, and fried peppers grown from his garden.  He also loved helping his wife Lucille to make Easter bread, homemade pasta, pizza, eggplant parmesan, and sauce and meatballs.  He enjoyed dancing, Big Band and Italian music, wood refinishing, gardening, and working outdoors especially in his yard to make sure it was in perfect condition.  He also enjoyed walking in Roosevelt Park, and greeting friends daily as they walked by.  Francis was an excellent golfer and played many days a week with good friends, family, and with the GF Golf League.  He was a Cleveland Indians and OSU Buckeye fan and enjoyed attending baseball and football games with his wife and daughter.  

Francis leaves behind to hold onto his precious memories a daughter Diane DeLuco with whom he made his home, a son Anthony (Marylyn) DeLuco of New Middletown, two granddaughters Beth-Ann (John) Maro and Lynn-Marie (John) Popa, three great granddaughters Melissa, Amanda and Lucille Ann, a sister Virginia (Francis) Bellino of Liberty, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, good neighbors, and friends.  

Besides his parents and wife, Francis was preceded in death by a sister Mary Ann Mortellaro and her husband Sam, and a brother Louis DeLuco.   

Family and friends may pay their respects on Sunday, January 20, 2019 from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at the Rossi & Santucci Funeral Home, 4221 Market St., Boardman.  

Burial will take place on Tuesday, January 22, 2019 at 1:30 p.m. at Calvary Cemetery, Youngstown with military honors provided by the great men and woman of the United States Army.

The DeLuco family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Charles Wilkins, and to all the wonderful nurses and in-home caregivers, for all the care and compassion that was shown to them and Francis over the years and throughout this difficult time.

Family and friends may visit www.rossisantuccifh.com to view this obituary, sign the guest book and send condolences to the DeLuco family.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Francis Michael DeLuco, please visit our floral store.