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James Delgrosso Obituary
James A. Delgrosso, 66, of Bethlehem, passed away on Thursday, October 8, 2009 in the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania from complications associated with acute myeloid leukemia. Jim was born in Bethlehem, the son of the late Albert Prince and Agnes (Spevak) Delgrosso. He is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Deborah (Clarke) Delgrosso. Jim was a graduate of Liberty High School and Kutztown University. He then taught driver education at Liberty High School for 37 years. He proudly served on Bethlehems City Council, from 1982-2003 and was Bethlehems interim mayor during 2003. At the time of his death, Jim was executive director of the Lehigh Valley Contractors Association. In his free time, Jim enjoyed discussing politics, golfing, traveling and especially loved spending time with his family. Jim will be greatly missed by his family and his large network of friends in the Bethlehem community, where he lived his entire life and raised his family. Survivors: Jim will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Debbie; his son, Jim Jr. and daughter-in-law, Stacey, of Bethlehem; his daughter, Lisa and son-in-law, Michael Wagnes and grandchildren, Trevor and Brielle, of Huntersville, N.C.; as well as his sister, Lorraine Hunt and her husband, Jim, of Bethlehem. Survivors: Arrangements have been made with the guidance of Connell Funeral Home Inc., Bethlehem. The family will receive friends in St. Annes Catholic Church, 450 Washington Ave., Bethlehem on Monday, October 12, 2009 from 9:30-11:30 a.m. with a Mass of Christian Burial to immediately follow at 11:30 a.m. Burial will be at Nisky Hill Cemetery, Bethlehem. Online condolences may be made at: www.connellfuneral.com. Contributions: In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hosts for Hospitals, 4719 Pine St., Philadelphia PA 19143; Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, c/o Research, 961 Marcon Blvd., Suite 452, Allentown, PA 18019; New Bethany Ministries, 333 W. Fourth St., Bethlehem, PA 18015.
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Memories and Condolences
for James Delgrosso
November 1, 2009
I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to Debbie and family in the loss of Jim. I was a classmate of Jim's and have fond memories of our high school years. I'll always remember the fun we had on class night. Jim was a great guy and will be dearly missed.
Beverly (Kucsan) Biddle
Tyler, Texas
John Sotzing
October 20, 2009
Mr. "D" was my Drivers-Ed teacher in the mid sixties, and he taught both of my daughters in the same capacity. Then I taught his son, Jim, at Freedom. In the Bethlehem community I always voted for Jim DelGrosso when he ran for office, and felt assured that he was always honest. His behavior on the golf course echoed that. It is no surprise to read of so many accolades in this MC site. Jim Delgrosso was one special person.
Matt (Chip) Bentkowski
October 19, 2009
Dear Debbie and Family,
My heartfelt sympathy at this difficult time in all of your lives as you honor a treasured life. Jim and I were classmates in High School and I will always have fond memories of our younger days
Matt Bentkowski
Natalie Chickey
October 18, 2009
Debbie,
At the end of Jim's teaching career, we always loved teasing Jim about being the "most senior" member of the Liberty staff. Imagine all of the people over the years Jim influenced. I had him as a Driver's Ed teacher then he became a mentor for me when I returned to Liberty as a teacher. No matter what Jimmy did, whether in his career, whether in politics, whether in his family or social life, he always remained a true gentleman - a gentle soul so full of life with a kind word of encouragement and a smile for every single one of us. I am better for having known him.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. I am certain your wonderful memories will help bring you comfort.
October 18, 2009
I only knew Jim Delgrosso for three weeks, the result of a shared experience treking through the vastness of Patagonia. Along with Lou Pagano and Chuck McIntyre, Jim was one of the Three Wisemen from Bethlehem. He was a prince of a man, a good fellow with a great heart.
My condolences to Debbie, his family and friends.
Frank Dougherty
Philadelphia
October 14, 2009
I am very sad to hear of Mr. Delgrosso's passing. He was my driver's ed teacher at Liberty and I still hear him in my head when I am out on the road. I owe my clean driving record to him. I also remember him always smiling and waving when he passed our house. He was a very special person and I am so grateful that I knew him. May your memories of him bring you peace.
- Sharon Sibley-Weis Liberty High School Class of 1987
October 14, 2009
Dear Debbie & family:
We share your grief over the loss of a fine man. Words cannot express the warmth and joy for life that Jimmy shared with everyone he met. Always a gentleman with a smile and a kind word.
It has been 48 years since I met Jimmy at KU, but every time we got together it always seemed like yesterday. May we meet again, my friend.
Bob Regan
October 14, 2009
Dear Debbie & family:
We share your grief over the loss of a fine man. Words cannot express the warmth and joy for life that Jimmy shared with everyone he met. Always a gentleman with a smile and a kind word.
It has been 48 years since I met Jimmy at KU, but every time we got together it always seemed like yesterday. May we meet again, my friend.
Clare Donohue Persing
October 13, 2009
I would like to express my deepest sympathies to the entire Delgrosso family. I have fond memories of Jim at swim meets over the years. My thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow.
Barb & George Scherer
October 13, 2009
To the Delgrosso family, George and I extend our sincere condolences to each of you. I worked with Jimmy on the LHS Class Reunion Committee for many years and we will surely miss him at our 50th. His special smile will live on in my memory. May God grant you comfort and peace during this difficult time. He is now one of God's special angels.
Beth Hall
October 12, 2009
To the Delgrosso Family: Our Thoughts & Prayers are with during this difficult time. Mr.Delgrosso was a great teacher and will always be remember by myself and other former students of Liberty High School Class of 1989 .
Beth Shipper - Hall
Linda Muzikar
October 12, 2009
Dear Debbie And Family,
We both send you most since love and sympathy to you and your family. We will miss our conversations and his big smile,and thoughtfulness. Jimmy 'D' Will forever have a special place in our hearts!
Sincere Sympathy,
Jules And Linda Muzikar
October 11, 2009
Dear Debbie and Family,
I was so sorry to learn of Jim's illness just recently, and his leaving us is just too difficult to comprehend. I have only had the pleasure of knowing and working with Jim for the past couple of years in his role at LVCA and found him to be a true gentleman. I will certainly miss him. My sincere condolences to you and your family at this difficult time.
Sharon Marshall
Marketing Solutions
James Delgrosso
October 11, 2009
To the Delgrosso family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. Jim student taught for me at Clearview School and had a vibrant personality. It was always great to see Jim at Willowbrook Golf Course and he will be missed.
Bob Chromiak , Catasauqua, Pa.
Charlotte Domiter
October 11, 2009
Dear Debbie & Family:
You are all in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Jimmy will always be remember as a "Special Cousin" to many of us. He will be missed but always remembered.
Much Love,
Cousin Charlotte
joseph Vassa
October 11, 2009
To Debbie & Family with sympathy on the loss of Jim who was a great guy and one of my classmates,enjoyed talking to him at our class reunion. He will be missed by all. Joe Vassa
October 11, 2009
Debbie, Our condolences on the terrible loss to you and your family and Bethlehem. Jim seemed to us to be a paragon of the public servant, and a good husband and father as well. We will all miss him.
Will and Loretta Goodwin
Wendell Sherman
October 11, 2009
Dear Debbie and Family
I first Jim when I became Director of Pubic Works and he had been on City Council for about a year. Jim and I had many meetings together in my office to talk over various issues that was going to be coming up in the Council meetings. We did not always agree but we both respected each other's opinion. Jim still contacted me a few times after I left the City and I always appreicated that. We especially remember the trip we and others took to Germany together. Jim was special to me. He will be missed by many people. My wife and I live in Florida now and but Jim will always be remembered.
Jody Hertzog
October 11, 2009
To the DelGrosso Family:
My sincere sympathy goes out to all of you. I remember Mr. DelGrosso as my Driver Ed teacher in 1976. He was a wonderful teacher as well as a neighbor of my mother on Powder Mill Circle. God Bless you all at this saddened time. But know he is now in a better place where there is no pain or sickness or sorrow. May God Bless you all.
Keith Cacciatore, Esq
October 11, 2009
Jim always treated me with class and respect from the first day I met him as my driver's ed teacher at Liberty all the way through all of the political campaigns in which we opposed one another. He was truly a great man and will be sorely missed. Mr "D" as I affectionately called him was truly a gentleman. May he rest in peace.
October 11, 2009
I want to express my sincere sympathy to the Delgrosso family. I had Mr Delgrosso as my Driver Ed teacher at Liberty in 1969. Very pleasant man, good teacher. God bless.
Debbie Spadaccia
Sue & Chuck Jarrell
October 10, 2009
Dear Lorraine & Jim Hunt,
We are so very sorry for your loss of your brother. We know that he is in Our Father's House now and in no more discomfort.
May his memories provide you with loving and joyous thoughts of Jim. I'm sure he will be missed by so many people.
May God take that pain and sadness away.
Bridget Kolacki
October 10, 2009
I remember Mr Delgrosso from high school.He was such a wonderful teacher and a saint to put up with us the class of 82.But will always be remembered for his smile and encouraging words for teh future.I was so sad to hear of his passing. Bridegt Kolacki (Donchez)
Cynthia Murcic Givens
October 10, 2009
Dear Debbie & family,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Jim; Husband, Father, Grandfather and
wonderful friend to all the lives he touched. He was a caring, devoted and loving person. Cherished memories will always remain in my heart. Please know my warmest thoughts and prayers are with you during this sorrowful time.
Love to all.
Wes and Joanie Topeka
October 10, 2009
Dear Deb and family,
Wes and I can't find enough kind words to say about Jimmy. You both have been in our hearts since this journey began and we wish you comfort and peace at this time. Please accept our deepest sympathy. The world was a better place because of Jimmy.
Bette Kovach
October 10, 2009
Jim was one of the most honest and sincere individuals to have ever lived in this world. He will be greatly missed. My heartfelt sympathy to his lovely wife Debbie and his family.
October 10, 2009
Dear Debbbie and family
I wish to express my condolences to you and your children for such a great loss. He is not only a loss to you but also to the City of Bethlehem. He will surely be missed at our next class reunion but he will be with us in spirit. "May his memory be Eternal.
Lorraine (swartz) Krisanda
Donald & Catharine Ache
October 10, 2009
Dear Delgrosso family,
Jim was a real gentleman and an asset to the community. Many people, we are sure, will have fond memories of him. When someone lives in your memory and your heart, that person is never truly gone. May you all have loving memories of happier days to help you through this sad time.
Sincerely,
Don and Cathy Ache
October 10, 2009
Dear Debbie and Family,
Dick and I are truly sorry for your loss. We are praying for comfort for you at this time. Our thoughts have been with you since our meeting in the parking deck at the hospital when you told us of Jim's condition. He touched our lives with such sincere and caring ways. We Love You. Marcia and Dick Horning
October 10, 2009
Mr. Delgrosso was quite the gentleman. He always had a smile to greet you and was a patient and kind teacher. I appreciate the work he did for our city and will long remember the lessons learned from him.
October 10, 2009
Dear Lisa and Family,
It has been a long time. I am very sad to hear of your Dad's passing. May your memories bring you comfort. Take care, Terri Baer-Link
Frank & Marie Hill
October 10, 2009
To Debbie and family - Jim will be missed by a large network of people because of his warm smile and easy laugh. His caring nature came through in every encounter. We hope that the respect and regard that everyone has for his memory will ease, in some way, your sense of loss. Wishing you strength through your family bonds. Frank and Marie (New Smyrna Beach, Fl)
Janet Moralis Metzger
October 10, 2009
Dear Lorraine and Family,
I am very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this most difficult time.
Maria Augustino-Bentzoni
October 10, 2009
Mrs. Delgrosso and Family,
How blessed we have all been to have been touched by such a "great guy". Having been a student of his, I can tell you that he had lasting impression upon my high school years. We are all better people to have been touched by his smile and his spirit. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jen McCandless-Stout
October 10, 2009
I would like to send out my deepest condolences to the family. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Remember all the good times you had with him. He was a very nice guy. I got to know him through his teacher days at Liberty.
Larry Kisslinger
October 10, 2009
DelGrosso family and friends,
I knew Jim since high school in early '60's. He, like his Dad, was also a Prince of a guy. My heart goes out to his wife Debbie, family, friends throughout the Lehigh Valley and beyond. RIP known by all that ya done good while with us, Jimmy. God Bless! Sincerely,
Roger and Sandy Hudak
October 10, 2009
Our deepest sympathy goes out to Jimmie's family in his untimely death. Jim and I go way back to Donegan Elementary School when we, as kindergarteners, were featured in the May Queen's court. We both went on to become teachers at LHS who did our best for Bethlehem's future...the children. Jim was a true gentleman and a wonderful citizen of Bethlehem in an important era of its recent history. He truly loved this city.
October 10, 2009
Mr. Delgrosso was a great teacher. I know he will always be remembered fondly by his students, including myself. My sympathies to his family.
Julia (Shahda) Marques, LHS Class of '99
Wayne Maura
October 10, 2009
To the family,
As a former Liberty High student, I had already known Jim from our church on the south side. In the halls or anywhere, he always had a ready smile and a "How's it goin?" with a slap on the back. Even years later on the streets of Musikfest or anytime, it was always the same.
Hard to believe that vibrant, energetic presence has been stilled. I always felt good leaving his company.
Like so many others, I will miss him and express my sincere and profound sympathy to you, his family.
As some have already written and certainly many more will, Jim will be remembered for all the right reasons and all the good things he brought to anything he was involved in.
May the Lord bless him and all of you during this most difficult time.
Susan Renshaw-Sullivan
October 10, 2009
Dear Debbie and Family,
Please know that I am praying for you and wishing you peace at this time of deep personal sadness.
There are so many fond memories of Jimmy during our college days.
Jack Berk
October 10, 2009
My deepest sympathies to Debbie and the family. Jim was fair and honest to work with. He was always supportive of my work as the Executive Director of the the Bethlehem Area Public Library. The Bethlehem community has truly lost a dedicated and loyal supporter.
Tony Spadaccia
October 10, 2009
I haven't seen Jimmy in forty years. But I will always remember the great times we had together with "The Band". Practicing in the basement of his parents house, playing at clubs,weddings and parties. We were old teenage buddys. We had a blast. My condolences to his family.
Al Narzisi
October 10, 2009
Jim was my drummer in our four piece band when we were teenagers. So I only knew him at a time when we were playing weekends to make a few bucks, but he was an unique individual then and I am sure he lived his life as I remember him. I just wish I could have met him again and played one more tune. Al Narzisi
Jim Gregory
October 10, 2009
Jim's passing is a loss for the entire Bethlehem community. For me , it was an honor to have known and worked with him for so many years. Part of Bethlehem's so called "Old Guard" of politics, Jim exuded qualities that they all possessed such as integrity, dedication,
diligence, and a passionate committment to the community. He'll
be sorely missed. My condolences to Debbie and the family. So very sorry for your loss..
Hugh Gallagher
October 10, 2009
I would like to express my condolences to Jim's Family and to the thousands of people who knew him. A loss to all of us.
Barry & Eileen Bogdan
October 10, 2009
Dear Debbie - We send our sympathy and love to you and your entire family. There are no words available to express the loss we feel. Please know that we offer you all our support.
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