Mario DeLuca

It's taken me awhile to gather what I wanted to say. I had the honor to help care for dad through many operations, and two battles with cancer. What a blessing it was ! We became very close and he was like a father to me. We had tea almost everynight, we talked and solved the worlds problems. I learned so much about the history of the world from dad, we could talk for hours and I miss that. One night before dad went into the hospital for the last time, dad called me and asked if he could come over. We sat in the livingroom drank tea and sang old Frank Sinatra songs for a few hours. Before he left he looked and me and said "Thanks Kathleen, you will always be my daughter" I watched him leave and walk away, I knew it was close to the end. Im so glad I was home that night and I took the time to sing with him...He loved his grandkids and was so proud of them. They loved him too. I miss you dad and were all doing ok here. Life slips away so fast, show the people you love that they matter...I miss you dad, salute !
Your Daughter
Kathleen

To All family & friends: Thank you for your sympathy and also for sharing your memories and stories of Dad. He had his songs and ways with me as well, and used to drive me nuts with it sometimes! But then I grew up and realized what he had done and why. For those who aren't aware of this, he had moved in with my family for three years and then decided he wanted his own space and independence again. He maintained that until nearly the end, for which I know he was grateful. We were a small family to begin with, and I know losing Mom early was tough on Dad, but he perservered. He possessed an inner strength and sense of honor and responsibility that was admirable. I am proud to be his son and will miss him terribly. In the final moments of his life, I'm sure he was headed for Heaven to be with Mom, singing ". . . I Did It My Way . . ." Love ya Dad, your son, John

John and Family,

I just found out about the loss of your father. I liked living next to Babe. We always had conversations and he liked watching my cats on the side of the house. I've thought about all of you often since he moved. In sympathy,

Uncle Babe,
Even though I didn't see much of you as an adult, I will always remember when you were a part of my life , as an opinionated and feisty teen. When you had to drive me to school because I would deliberately miss the bus thinking that mom had no way to get me there. Then she would call you and we would have our heart to heart conversations while you drove me there. I think I pouted the whole time, but still appreciated you, and everything you did for me and my family. I'll never forget the pet name you gave me,"Tish Tash", and you singing " Lazy Bones" to me when I was upset. You were a good , strong and loving man, who will be missed.

UNCLE BABE,
YOU KNOW WE ALL LOVED YOU AND HAVE MISSED YOU. I REMEMBER WHEN I
WAS A LITTLE GIRL,BEING SO EXCITED WHEN YOU CAME TO VISIT EVERY WEEKEND
AND I WOULD RUN DOWN THE SIDEWALK TO MEET YOU AND YOU WOULD GIVE ME A
BIG HUG AND KISS. I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER YOU. TELL DAD HI ! I LOVE AND
MISS HIM BUT HE KNOWS THAT ALREADY. WE WILL ALL BE TOGETHER IN HEAVEN
SOMEDAY. LOVE CINDY AND LOVE FROM KATHY,FRANK, VINCE AND MUM.

John and family,
We were very sorry to hear about your dad's death. We missed Babe from the time he moved. He used to love sharing greens and beans with us, polenta and other Italian goodies I made and would call him to come over. So sorry we cannot get to the funeral home, but please accept out deepest sympathies. Marianne & Henry Fiore.