Anthony DeLuca

Anthony C. “Tony” DeLuca, age 85, passed away peacefully on October 11, 2022.

Anthony was born in Akron, Ohio, on April 3, 1937, to Grace (nee Albanese) and Victor DeLuca. Anthony cherished memories of his childhood, growing up with his mother and Grandma and Grandpa Albanese. He became like a younger brother to Aunt Flo and Uncles Danny, Joe, Mike and Chuck.

Anthony attended St. Vincent’s Grade School and High School, graduating in 1956. At St. V, he played basketball and excelled in football and swimming, holding records well into his adulthood. It was also at St. V that he met his sweetheart and future wife, Cathy. They were married Aug. 27, 1960, at St. Martha’s Church.

Anthony also served in the U.S. Army.

In 1962, he joined the Summit County Sheriff’s Office, where he rose through the ranks and became a Chief from 1976 to 1980. He loved his job, especially working with the deputies. He was active in F.O.P. Lodge 139, of which he was a founding member. He also belonged to the Liar’s Club, a group of retired deputies and their spouses, and the Crime Clinic.

Anthony retired from the Sheriff’s Office in 1989, and then became Executive Director of the All-American Soap Box Derby, a position he held for 20 years.

Anthony was a man of integrity with a wonderful way of making everyone feel special. He was an eternal optimist and had a great sense of humor, and we will miss his beautiful smile.

As a couple, Anthony and Cathy loved welcoming guests in their home – to the point that godson Christopher Albanese felt comfortable enough to bring his friends over following Wednesday night C.Y.O. meetings during the mid-to-late 2000s. Eventually, these Wednesday night socials drew more than 30 teens each week for ice cream, pizza and fellowship. Anthony treasured these “Ice Cream Nights” and considered it a blessing to spend time with the young people who gathered in his home. Parents often joined in as well. To this day, a group of parents of the Ice Cream Night kids still meet for pizza on Wednesday nights.

Anthony leaves his beloved wife, Cathy; and daughter, Lori Ann. He also leaves sister-in-law, Dawn Fanelli; aunt, Pat Albanese, the ice cream night family, and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, Thomas DeLuca and Lawrence Fanelli.

The family would like to thank the Albanese family, especially Jimmy, Vicky, Christopher, Hillary, Katie Rose and Gregg; the DeLuca family, and members of Cathy’s Chiarappa family, including the Edminister, Palombo, Wilkinson and Valentini families. We extend special gratitude to Dr. Erwin Maseelall.

Calling hours 4-7p.m. Friday at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 174 W. Market St. Akron, OH 44303, where Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11a.m. Saturday. Interment at Rose Hill Burial Park,

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

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