Andrew A. Deluca

DeLUCA, Andrew A. Retired Major US Army, Andrew A. DeLuca, 87, of Clinton, formerly of Wethersfield died peacefully on Friday, (July 28, 2006). He was predeceased by his loving wife of 55 years, Antoinette P. (Orgento) DeLuca, June 25, 2006. He was also predeceased by a son, Andrew M. DeLuca and a sister, Victoria (DeLuca) Tomaiuolo. He was born in Hartford and was the son of the late Mattio and Rosaria (Trudo) DeLuca. Andrew was a talented musician who began his professional career at the tender age of 14, playing the banjo and guitar with local Jazz and Dixieland bands throughout the Hartford area. He often said he played his music at the expense of his studies during High School. He continued his love of music until the war broke out and entered the US Army in June of 1941. In August of 1942 Andrew was inducted in the US Army Counterintelligence Corps. Andrew was stationed in Australia, New Guinea, Manila, Saipan Island and Nagasaki, Japan where he directed operational CI Teams. He received his Honorable Discharge in January 1946 and remained an active CIC reservist until his retirement in 1968 at the rank of Major. Andrew was a graduate of Hartford Public High School, The Hartt School of Music, Hillyer College and Trinity College where upon his death he was a member in good standing in the Trinity Half-Century Club (Class of 1950). Andrew worked for American Standard in Hartford and Products Design Newington as a metallurgist until, his retirement. He was a member of the American Society of Metals from 1962 to 1982. After his retirement he decided he needed to keep active and worked for several years for his nephew, Lewis Nedell, as a title searcher, once again putting his intelligence talents to work. He and his wife were active members of the Rocky Hill Seniors for many years and long time members of the Serenaders; where Andy would write his own arrangements and accompany the group, and his wife on the guitar and banjo. Andy enjoyed bowling on Wednesdays with his wife and friends of many years, a good game of golf, and painting and woodcarving. Andy carved many beautiful pieces including a carousel horse. Andrew was a lifelong member of the Church of the Incarnation in Wethersfield until he and his wife moved to Clinton in March of this year. He is survived by a daughter and her husband, Jacquelyn and Charles DeMartino of Old Saybrook as well as many nieces, nephews and numerous friends. Calling hours will be Monday from 9:30-11 a.m. at the D'Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Blvd. Wethersfield followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30 a.m. at the Church of the Incarnation, Wethersfield. The burial will be in Mt. St. Benedict Cemetery, Bloomfield with full military honors. Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 538 Preston Avenue, P.O. Box 1004, Meriden, CT. 06450-1004. For on line expressions of sympathy please visit www.desopo.com