Louis J. "Al" De Lena

Louis Joseph “Al” De Lena, age 85, of Jacksonville, Florida, passed away February 20, 2012, at home under Hospice care. He was born in Brooklyn, New York, December 16, 1926, to Rosa and Jennaro De Lena.

Louis, or Al as he was more commonly known, retired from the U.S. Navy in 1974 with 30 years of service during which he proudly served in Korea and Viet Nam. After that he served as a Lieutenant for the Department of Defense with the Mayport Naval Base Police Department. Upon retirement from civil service, he was employed at Fleet Landing providing security service until his retirement two years ago.

He was very creative and enjoyed working with his hands and was always available to assist friends, neighbors and family with any handy-work needed.

He is survived by Vinera Ann De Lena, the mother of his children, sons Louis J. De Lena (Michael Gaspard), Mitchell H. De Lena (Christine), Victor J. De Lena, daughters Roseanna De Lena, Carolyn A. De Lena, Katrina J. De Lena and Jennifer D. Gilchrist, 5 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Mario De Lena (Frances) of New York and long-time companion Helen Kleiber.

The family will receive friends from 5-7pm Thursday, February 23 at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, 1701 Beach Blvd. Jacksonville Beach. Funeral Mass will be held at 11am Friday, February 24 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 11665 Fort Caroline Rd. Jacksonville. Entombment will follow at Beaches Memorial Park in Atlantic Beach.