Jill E. DeLucia

Jill E. DeLucia, 83, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother, daughter, sister, neighbor and friend passed away Wednesday evening, July 16th, at her home. Jilly “left” on her terms after spending her final days lovingly cared for by her family and Hospice of Jefferson County.

She was born March 3, 1942, in Watertown, NY, daughter of Carl and Dorothy Dunham Eggleton. She graduated from Watertown High School and attended Potsdam College and was awarded a degree in hospitality and tourism at JCC.

She married Kenneth D. DeLucia on October 12, 1974. Ken passed away on July 3, 2021.

As a teenager, Jill came to Alex Bay from Watertown where she portrayed Annie Oakley at Adventure Town. Jill fell in love with the area and made this River community her forever home.

Jill enjoyed a career in retail sales, working at both Pine Tree Point and Bonnie Castle Resorts. And a little fun fact, she was named Vignoles queen while working at the T.I Winery.

She is survived by three daughters, Liz Burtch, Rochester, NY, Lainey (Dave) Scott, Harpers Ferry, WV, and Ellen (Tim) Connors, Oak Island, NC, a son, Bob Burtch (Jen Simpson), Alexandria Bay, NY and grandchildren Alexandra (James) Riley, Webster, NY, Lane McFaddin, Los Angeles, CA, Stephanie (Logan) VanEpps, Rochester, NY, Tarryn (Jake Siepel) Eagle River AK, Wade (Alex) Megan, Leland, NC, Cory (Lindsay) Scott, Lawrenceville, GA, Kyle (Jen) Scott, Potsdam, NY, Taylor (Nicole) Scott, Dawsonville, GA, twelve great grandchildren and best friend Carol Tousant. Jill was predeceased by her husband Kenny DeLucia, a brother, Phillip Eggleton a sister, Jean Hudson, and a grandson, Jesse Monica.

Jill’s greatest love was her family. Throughout her life, she served her community with generosity and grace, and as a neighbor, she was always present, helpful, and kind. Over the years, hundreds of people gathered around Jill’s table, welcomed with her joyful spirit and incredible home cooking. Entertaining brought her true joy, and she made everyone feel like they belonged.

In the days since her passing, we've heard from so many whose lives she touched—describing her as amazing, kind, joyful, always smiling, and deeply caring. One sentiment that especially stood out described her as “the light of humanity.” We couldn’t agree more.

“BE LIKE JILL”

Calling hours will be held Tuesday, July 22nd, from 4-7 pm at the Costello Funeral Home. Her funeral will be Wednesday, July 23rd, at 11 am, at the Reformed Church of the Thousand Isles, with Pastor Jeff McIlrath, officiating.

Memorial donations may be made in Jill’s name to the Reformed Church Capital Building Project, 54 Church St, Alexandria Bay, NY 13607 or at www.reformed1000.org.