Obituary of Patrick Thomas DeLuca

          Patrick Thomas DeLuca, “Tom”, 94,  of Amsterdam, passed away Sunday, November 25, 2018 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Amsterdam.

     Born in Amsterdam, NY on March 17, 1924, son of the late Thomas and Assunta Giannecchini DeLuca. 

    He attended Amsterdam schools and was a graduate of the former Wilbur H. Lynch High School Class of 1942 and served as chairmen of the reunion committee for many years

     Mr. DeLuca was a Letter Carrier for the US Postal Service working at the Amsterdam Office for over 35 years, retiring in 1983.  He also had a printing business in his home. 

   He served in the U.S. Army from March 9, 1943 until January 6, 1946.  He was a Mortar Gunner and Rifleman with the 179^th Infantry Regiment of the Forty Fifth Division in North Africa, Italy, Anzio, Southern France and Germany.  He was a recipient of the Bronze Star with Cluster for Gallant Combat  Action in Italy and France, Combat Infantryman Badge, European Medal with Five Silver Stars (5 Campaigns) .  He was chosen City of Amsterdam Veteran of the Year in 2001.

     Tom was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and Disabled War Veterans.  He was a member of the American Legion Post #701 in Amsterdam, Frank J. Sirchia AMVET Post # 32 and the Polish American Veterans.  He also was a member of many senior citizen groups.  Tom was an Acolyte for a time at the former St. Michael the Archangel Church and Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Roman Catholic Church where he gave much of his time volunteering.

       He was married to Frances J. Montuori on November 14, 1948.  She died on November 9, 1999. 

     Survivors include his son, Thomas P. (Marie) DeLuca of Amsterdam, his brother, John (Mary Beth) DeLuca of Amsterdam. He is also survived by nieces, nephews and cousins.   He was predeceased by his brother, Louis DeLuca and sisters, Yolanda Rogers, Grace Passa and Johanna DeLuca. 

     Funeral services will be held on Wednesday December 5, 2018 at 11:30PM at the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Ave, Amsterdam, NY with Rev. O. Robert DeMartinis presiding.  The family will receive relatives and friends prior to the funeral service on Wednesday from 9:30AM to 11:30AM at the funeral home.  The John J. Wyszomirski Post #701 Will meet on Wednesday at 9:30AM at the funeral home.  Entombment in the family mausoleum will be in St. Michael the Archangel Cemetery, Amsterdam.  In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Saint Kateri National Shrine and Historic Site, 3636 State Hwy 5, Fonda, NY 12068 or to the American Cancer Society, 1 Penny Lane, Latham, NY 12110.