Anthony J. Sonny DePalma

Anthony J. "Sonny" DePalma, 77, died at 1:30 p.m. Jan. 28, 2012, at his residence in Lima, surrounded by his loving wife and family. He was born Nov. 17, 1934, in Lima to Anthony and Mildred Landis DePalma, who preceded him in death. On Nov. 29, 1958, in Lima, he married Janet Daley, who survives. Mr. DePalma was a veteran of the Korean War. He worked 26 years for the Lima Police Department where he retired as the inspector of detectives. After retirement, he went to work as an investigator for the Allen County Prosecutor's Office until 2008. While on the police force, he attended Lima Technical College and received his associate degree in law. He attended the FBI Academy in Quantico, Va., and graduated in 1979. He thoroughly enjoyed his work and attended many classes and seminars to keep up with the changes in law. He was chosen as the recipient of the Liberty Bell Award in 1997 and was chosen as staff person of the year in 2008 by the Ohio Prosecutors Association. He was always willing to help people in need and his unique sense of humor would always put a smile on your face. He was loved by his family and enjoyed cooking. His breakfasts became legendary with his grandchildren. Survivors include three sons, Anthony DePalma and Robert DePalma, both of Lima, and Thomas (Donna) DePalma, of Powell; a daughter, Patricia (Ron) Solinksi, of Lebanon; six grandchildren, Leda, Vincent, Frank, Nathan, Gina and Nick; two sisters, Pauline Cutlip and Sharon Caprilla, both of Lima; two brothers-in-law, Louis (Renee) Daley and Thomas (Ruth) Daley; four sisters-in-law Rosalyn (Ralph) Thorpe, Patricia (Don) Crose, Marilyn DePalma, and Clementine DePalma; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. He was preceded in death by four brothers, Phil, Frederick, Ralph and James; and three sisters, Mary Mack, Frances Washam and Mildred Venturella. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church. The Rev. David Ross will officiate. Burial will follow in Gethsemani Cemetery with military rites by VFW Post 1275. Friends may call from 2 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Chiles-Laman Funeral and Cremation Services, Shawnee Chapel, where a Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 21 memorial service will begin at 8 p.m. Instead of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Ryan Young Scholarship Fund or St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church.