William Michael DeLeo

William "Will" Michael DeLeo passed away peacefully on Sept. 23, 2023 at 5pm at home surrounded by family.
He was born in New Haven, CT. He moved to South Carolina in the early 1980s where he met his wife Regina. They were married for 35 years. Will is survived by his wife Regina, his son Aaron, his daughter in law Karen, his niece Vienna Robinson to whom Will was a surrogate father, his mother in law Sybil Garrett, his brother and sister in law Steve and Lisa Garrett and nieces and nephews. He loved them all very much.
His son Aaron wrote the following eulogy:
I'm blessed to have seen my father on the last day he was lucid. The last thing he told me was, "I love you," while he held my hand. And the last thing I know for sure he heard from me was, "I love you, Dad." Folks, last words don't get ANY better than that. What a blessing! I'm blessed to have been able to spend a lot of time with my father;especially this past year. Dad suffered from primary progressive multiple sclerosis (MS). A terrible disease I wouldn't wish on anyone. For decades MS slowly chipped away at his mobility and his dignity. Because he was disabled, I got to spend much more time with him than I would have otherwise. Bringing him to doctor's appointments, helping him around the house, or completing his favorite activity - going to the grocery store. This past year was especially tough on him. Dad was fully homebound since February. I was incredibly blessed with a teaching schedule that allowed me to work from home Tuesdays and Thursdays, so every Tuesday I'd spend the day with Dad. This summer it looked like I was going to teach online, but that fell through. So I had the time to stay with dad for four days on three different occasions. The last summer he was with us and I happened to have my first "summer break" as an adult? Are you kidding? How did I get so lucky? I'm blessed because I know my dad is free now. Free from the terrible body he was cursed with. Free from the suffering he's dealt with for so long. Free of the life that dealt him a hand he could have folded with long ago. That brings me incredible peace.
I'm blessed to be related to my mom. There is perhaps no stronger woman on the planet. She's been my dad's primary caretaker for so many years now, and that's a job that would have broken most people. Me spending time with my dad this past year was also to give my mom the opportunity to get out of the house and get away for a little while. Through it all she remained ever loving, ever faithful. If I'm half the person my mom is, I would count myself lucky. My mom is free now too, which is a blessing in itself. My dad didn't have the best relationship with his father. Apparently my grandfather was relatively cold and unaffectionate. Maybe that's how Italian fathers were back then. At least the fathers of the DeLeo family. My dad made sure he was the opposite of his father in that regard. I knew he loved me. I knew he supported me in everything I did. When I was thinking of leaving dental school to pursue teaching, my dad is the one who told me "I'll support you in whatever it is that makes you happy." If he didn't tell me that I might not have the career I have now. The job that I still have to pinch myself to believe that I have. What an incredible blessing to have had a dad like that. On a lighter note, my dad loved the New York Giants. I always tell people I inherited my fandom for big blue from dad, but in reality I became a fan because I wanted to be like my dad. This past Sunday, the last day he got to watch his beloved team, they came back and won the game in miraculous fashion. Now, I don't think God or any other higher powers play an active part in deciding football games, but man what a blessing that his last memories with the G-Men was a game like that! I'd write every member of that team a thank you card if I could. Hold your loved ones tight today, folks. You and they deserve it. To everyone who has read this, has reached out, has thought of our family, or has simply touched my life in any way, thank you. I'm blessed to know and have known you all.
I love you forever, Pops. See you again one day.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.crowellbrothers.com. Arrangements entrusted to Crowell Brothers Funeral Homes & Crematory, 5051 Peachtree Industrial Blvd, Peachtree Corners, GA 30092. (770) 448-5757.
"Pre planning just makes sense"
https://www.crowellbrothers.com/plan-a-funeral-or-cremation/plan-ahead