Frank Michael Delucia

Frank Michael DeLucia, 80, long time resident of Pine Ridge in Beverly Hills, FL, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, November 8, 2022. Frank was born on January 19th, 1942 to Michael and Santa (Scara) DeLucia in New York City.

Frank is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Jacqueline (Burriesci) DeLucia of Beverly Hills, FL; brothers Michael J. DeLucia of Beverly Hills FL, and Richard A. DeLucia of Davie, FL; daughter Therese DeLucia Russo (Charlie Joseph) of Houston, TX; his grandsons Charlie Ross, and Vincent Michael; and his nephews and nieces.

In 1951, the DeLucia family moved to Hollywood, Florida, where Frank spent his childhood. He attended South Broward High School where he played trombone in the Band.

In 1960 Frank enlisted in the Air Force where he traveled far beyond South Florida, his time stationed in Greece inspired an appreciation of travel and photography that would last the rest of his life.

After the Air Force, Frank attended Florida Atlantic University, where he received his Bachelors and Masters degree in Education. He taught for 30 years in Broward County, at Driftwood Elementary, Flamingo Elementary, Perry Middle School, and finally, eighteen years teaching U.S. History at Pioneer Middle School. In addition to teaching, Frank coached boys and girls Track and Field at Perry and Pioneer Middle School.

Frank met Jackie when she was visiting family in Dania Beach, and it was not long before they married in 1967 and she moved from Knoxville, TN, to make her home in South Florida. In 1975, their adventures continued, with the arrival of their daughter, Therese Marie.

The DeLucia Family spent school breaks traveling, visiting family in Crystal River or Tennessee and all points surrounding, cruising the Caribbean, and all over the United States - from Historic sites to National Parks.

As everyone who knows him can attest, Frank always had his camera close at hand, his photography lives on as a treasured documentary of his family, friends, and travels.

In his retirement, Frank embraced his life-long love of Florida’s Nature Coast with his many volunteer activities, including, the Coast Guard Auxiliary, as docent on boat tours at Homosassa Springs State Park, in his kayak providing Manatee Safety Watch, and staking out Gopher Tortoise habitats for conservation in Pine Ridge.

Frank particularly enjoyed his time as a volunteer escort for Washington DC Honors Flights for WWII veterans.

His volunteer activities were complimented by time spent caring for his dogs - each of which was a beloved part of the family, travel - including his family and friends, numerous hobbies and activities: extensive reading, speaking Italian, making wine, wildlife photography.

Frank is already greatly missed, and will be remembered far beyond his years for his love, humor, helpfulness, intellect, and bringing a certain art to all he did - his greatest work being a life well lived.

The family requests, in lieu of flowers, donations in Frank’s memory to the University of Florida Nature Coast Biological Station (ncbs.ifas.ufl.edu/donate/) or your favorite charity dedicated to preserving the unique character of Florida’s Nature Coast.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ferofuneralhome.com for the Delucia family.