Thomas Albert “Al” Delegal, Jr.

Thomas Albert “Al” Delegal, Jr., 77 passed away on December 31, 2013. Mr. Delegal was born on September 30, 1936, in Suwannee County, Florida. He graduated from Suwannee High School in 1954. Mr. Delegal earned both his Bachelor’s degree (1958) and his Master’s degree (1960) from the University of Florida. He married Helen Donna Frazee Delegal in 1964. True to his family’s legacy, he became an educator and taught history for many years in Jacksonville. Students from his classes at Southside Middle School and Andrew Jackson High School remember him fondly. In 1970 he left teaching to become a successful real estate investor and entrepreneur.

Mr. Delegal’s indomitable entrepreneurial spirit propelled him from his humble beginnings growing up in rural West Florida to embodying the American Dream, a concept he loved to teach his students, children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He served his country as a member of the Army Reserve. Mr. Delegal’s greatest joy was seeing his children and grandchildren work to excel at what they loved—be it music, sports, academic endeavors, business, or politics. He was a generous man who encouraged his family to give back to their community.

Mr. Delegal enjoyed being a Florida Gator immensely, sharing sporting events with his children and grandchildren for many years.

Mr. Delegal was preceded in death by his father, Thomas Albert Delegal, Sr., and is survived by his mother, Catherine Wolz Delegal, age 100, of Fernandina Beach; his sister Jeanne Harnage, and his brother, Stephen (Pam) Delegal.

Mr. Delegal is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Helen Donna Frazee Delegal and their five children: Thomas Albert “Tad” (Julie) Delegal, III; Nicole (Steven) Brady; Monique (David) Miller; Latrelle (Robert) Morris; and Hickory (Shannon) Delegal. He is survived by eleven grandchildren: Thomas, IV (“Buddy”), Maia, and Carter Delegal; Sterling, Sheridan and Sutton Delegal; Patrick (“Alex”) and Matthew Brady; Josh and Leah Miller; and Robert (“Bobby”) Morris.

The family will receive friends and guest on Friday, January 3, 2014 from 6-8pm at the Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Chapel. Funeral Services will be held in the Oaklawn Chapel on Saturday, January 4,2013 at 2pm.

Please Sign the guestbook at www.hardage-giddens-oaklawn-chapel

HARDAGE-GIDDENS, THE OAKLAWN CHAPEL, 4801 San Jose Blvd is serving the family.