James Joseph DeLuca, 87, of Hartly, DE, died on Monday July 20, 2020. He passed peacefully at home, cared for by his loving family. Called Jim by his family and friends, he was born on November 30, 1932 in the Brooklyn, New York neighborhood of Williamsburg to Michael DeLuca and Rafaela DeLuca (nee Venticinque), the third of six children. He grew up in New York City, spending most of his life there before moving to Delaware in his retirement. Shortly after high school, James enlisted in the United States Army, not realizing at the time that he would embark on a lifelong career spanning more than three decades and culminating in the highest enlisted rank, Command Sergeant Major. His military reserve service took him all over the United States and the world, including Korea, England, and Germany, where he earned some of the most elite qualifications such as Parachutist, Pathfinder, Ranger, and Special Forces.

Jim was a lifelong learner, never passing up an opportunity to take on more training or new prospects. He earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from Queens College in 1979 at the age of 47. In addition to the Army Reserve, Jim was a career public servant for the City of New York, working for over 30 years in the Sanitation Department through some of the most turbulent times of the city’s history. Thanks to his military service Jim was an avid traveler, taking trips all over America, Mexico, the Far East, as well as European destinations such as Italy and Poland. After retirement, he maintained strong ties to his community and Catholic faith, volunteering in several groups including the Knights of Columbus, the American Legion, and continuing his military connections while working at the Dover Air Force Base terminal. Jim is survived by his wife Mary Ann, sisters Catherine Smithok and Angela Mastrianni, and brother Joseph DeLuca. He was preceded in passing by his parents, and his brothers Frank and Michael. Jim had a large and loving family of stepchildren Victoria (Villa), and Victor (Mia) and step-grandchildren Sophia, Nicholas, Michael, and Ava who spent many holidays, birthdays, and events with him.