Obituary of Daniel Joseph DeLuca

“Faith in God Gives Meaning and Purpose to Life”

Daniel J. DeLuca, 90, passed away peacefully on March 9th at Trinity Elms Health & Rehab in Clemmons, North Carolina.  Named Donato at birth, he was born to the late Carmine and Maria (Verna) DeLuca on January 19, 1930, in Peekskill, NY, where he was raised. 

Dan graduated from Iona College (Class of ’52) at the top of his class and went on to serve as First Lieutenant in the United States Air Force during the Korean War.  While stationed at Pinecastle AFB with the 5^th Air Force and member of the Strategic Air Command (SAC) in Orlando Florida, he met Anna Stanko and was married before retiring from service as Captain in the Air Force Reserve.  Following his military service, he went on to earn his master’s degree in Chemistry from Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, New Jersey.

Dan raised his family in Sparta, New Jersey where he spent most of his career with Dayco Corporation in Dover NJ before moving to Ocala, Florida.  While at Dayco, he was the Director of Research & Development, was a principle discoverer of numerous patents, and served as an expert witness to the industry.  Most well noted are safety features he designed that went on to become the main reason that consumers can safely pump their own gasoline.  Upon retirement, he then became the Director of Laboratories with Pace University in Pleasantville, NY, where he pioneered the laboratories for their school’s nursing program. 

For many years Dan dedicated his life to serving our Veterans through the American Legion in Peekskill, NY as a volunteer where he held many offices.  He was also active with the Catholic Church of the Assumption, Senior Center of Peekskill, and a long-time volunteer at the NYP Hudson Valley Hospital.  Up until the very end, he continued to serve Community, God, and Country.  A True Patriot.

Dan is survived by his three children Daniel, Chuck (TC) and Mary Anne Cao (Andres), his four grandchildren (Michael, Cecilia, Anthony, and Robert), and their spouses, his brother Carmine (Marie Antonietta), and two nephews and their spouses.  He is preceded in death by his niece, Maria.

Visitation will take place on Friday, February 5, 2021, at Joseph F. Nardone Funeral Home from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

Funeral Mass will be held at the Church of the Assumption on Saturday, February 6, 2021, at 10:00 am.

Inurnment at Arlington National Cemetery will take place on Friday, February 19, 2021, at 9:00 am. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations are made to the American Legion Post 274 of Peekskill can be mailed to the American Legion Post 274, P.O.Box 21, Peekskill, NY 10566.