Anthony De Luca, 94, of Pueblo, passed away peacefully on March 14. “AJ” (Tony) was born on February 21, 1925, and was the son of the late Mike & Teresa De Luca. AJ worked as a produce salesman for Andrews Food Service for over 39 years, logging millions of miles across Southern Colorado while turning customers into friends. AJ loved his family deeply, as his family was the center of his universe. He was never without a story or joke to bring laughter and love to all that met him. AJ was an avid golfer proudly participating in Pueblo’s Italian Open for over 30 years. He was also a fantastic gardener, especially perfecting the Pueblo roasted chilis. AJ was a lover of sports, where he would follow all Colorado’s teams as well as his family’s favorite teams. He was truly the family’s patriarch and “Top Cat”. AJ was married to the late Rosemarie (Mary) Palizzi De Luca, and together they were active in the community as members of the Elks Club, Eagles Club, Nocturnal Adoration Society, Knights of Columbus and Our Lady of Meadows Catholic Church. Following the death of his wife Mary in 1995, AJ loved spending his time visiting his two grandchildren in North Carolina and Florida. In addition to his parents and wife, AJ is preceded in death by his sisters, Elizabeth Clementi, Judy Antista and Edith Catalano. AJ is survived by his loving children, Mike De Luca of Colorado City, CO, and Teri Amthor (John) of Jacksonville, Florida, his two grandchildren Nicole and Jack Amthor, his brother Phil De Luca of Buena Vista, CO and several nieces, nephews, and godchildren. A private inurnment will be held Friday morning. Friends are invited to a Memorial Mass at our Lady of the Meadows Church Friday, March 22, at 11 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in his name to Sangre de Cristo Hospice, 1207 Pueblo Blvd Way, Pueblo, CO 81005.
