Michael Delia

Michael A. Delia passed away Monday morning, November 5, 2012, at the age of 82. Michael was born August 26, 1930 in Berkeley Heights, NJ to Anthony and Louise Delia. Michael and his wife Angela of 56 years were longtime residents of Lebanon, NJ prior to moving to Charleston, SC nine years ago.

Michael earned his B.S. Degree from Seton Hall University and was a member of the Cross and Crescent Honors Society. He served as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy, wrote the first U.S. Naval Diving Manual on scuba diving and worked with Captain J.Y. Cousteau to develop underwater equipment and systems for NATO.

Michael founded Delia Associates in 1964, an international marketing communications firm. The company developed award-winning marketing programs for a broad range of organizations in the U.S. and abroad. Delia Associates served as the U.S. Representative for the three largest Trade Fairs in the world, and was the first firm certified by the U.S. Department of Congress to organize USA group stands at overseas trade fairs. During the 1980s, the company worked closely with the Reagan Administration to foster U.S. exports. Under Michaels leadership, Delia Associates also developed and launched several successful US Trade Expositions, including Plastech and Export-Expo. The company was contracted by NASA to assist with the Commercialization of Space Program, and managed its European marketing and P.R. programs. During his career, Michael authored numerous articles on international marketing and trade fair participation, and was a frequent lecturer at university and industry forums. He retired in 2000, and Delia Associates, now in its 48th year, is successfully carried on to this day by his son, Ed Delia.

Michael was a Founder and Director of Immaculate Conception School, a high academically rated Catholic School in Clinton Township, NJ. He was a member of the World Trade Club Association, Hibernian Society of Charleston, The National Italian American Foundation, the Citadel Mentors Association, Citadels Brigadier Foundation, and the Spoleto Society.

Michael is survived by his four children: Carol Hollingsworth and her husband Andrew Hollingsworth, NJ; Gary Delia, FL; Michael E. Delia and his wife Linda, NJ; and Ed Delia and his wife Lori, NJ.

He is survived by ten grandchildren: Bryan Hollingsworth, Janet Hollingsworth, Rachel Delia, Ted Delia, Chelsea Delia, Jack Delia, Christian Delia, Edward M. Delia, Max Delia and Victoria Delia.

Michael is also survived by three siblings: Anthony Delia and his wife Barbera, CT; George Delia, CT, and Judy Cashill, NJ.

To sum up Michaels life: He was a hard worker who loved his work. He was quick to make friends, and enjoyed many enduring life-long friendships. He loved his family dearly, and always welcomed parties, gatherings and celebrations among family and friends.

The Delia Family wishes to thank the Daniel Island Emergency Rescue Squad for their response and assistance during this time.