Harold DeLuca

Harold DeLuca Mr. Harold Joseph DeLuca passed away on November 30, 2011 at 99 years of age. He was the son of the late Amerigo and Adelaide DeLuca. He was predeceased by his brother, Robert DeLuca and sisters Leontine DeLuca and Elvyra DeVincenzi; nephew, Ronald DeVincenzi, DDS; and grand niece, Andrea DeVincenzi; and devoted companion, Josephine Peirano. He is survived by his niece, Carol DeVincenzi; cousin Dolores Legge and her spouse, Jerry. He is also very much mourned by his grand nieces and nephews Mark, Ronald, Paul, Robert and Maria DeVincenzi and Diana McClean. He is also survived by his long time close friend, Clare Venturini. A graduate of St. Ignatius College Preparatory, Class of 1929 and Santa Clara University, Class of 1933, Harold was proud of his Jesuit roots and lived his life in the Jesuit tradition of "A man for others." Upon college graduation, he began his business career with the venerable poultry trading company, BJ Holmes International where he remained until founding Lehar Sales Co. in 1949 and where he was actively engaged until his passing. During his long career in the poultry industry, Harold founded and nurtured a myriad of companies engaged in nearly every facet of poultry production and distribution. Both Harold DeLuca and Lehar Sales Co. enjoyed a national reputation for honesty, integrity, performance, and sound business principles. He was a mentor to countless people in the industry who sought his guidance and wisdom. Harold's greatest legacy, however, lay not in commerce, but in the world of philanthropy. To Harold, life had little meaning unless one shared his success with those less fortunate. During his lifetime he donated most of his personal wealth to charities too numerous to mention individually. He was especially proud of providing the funding for the Leontyne Chapel on the campus of Bellarmine College Preparatory in honor of his sister, Leontine DeLuca, and his parents. Many of his gifts were given anonymously, and he gave from his heart with no desire for personal recognition. He was a man of great warmth, caring, and personal honor. In both business and philanthropy he was a visionary and one who led by example. Our world is better today because Harold DeLuca graced our lives, and so many people shall always be in his debt. His memory will live on and be forever cherished. Visitation will be on Sunday, December 11 from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm at HALSTED N. GRAY - CAREW & ENGLISH, 1123 Sutter Street, San Francisco 94109. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:45 am on Monday, December 12 at Sts. Peter and Paul Church, 666 Filbert St., San Francisco 94133.