Diane DePalma

Diane DePalma, age 71, of Franklin Park, formerly of Pittsburgh, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on January 15, 2026. Born on the North Side, she lived a beautiful, full, and generous life defined by service, joy, and unwavering kindness.

She was the beloved daughter of the late Pete and Ann Rentzeperes and the middle child of three. She grew up alongside her older sister Georgiann and younger sister Karen--forming a bond rooted in laughter, faith and deep love that stayed with her throughout her life.

She was the proud wife of Gregory DePalma, who she met on Valentine's Day in 1976 and to whom she was happily married for 49 years. She was the devoted mother to her son Douglas and her daughter Mariah. To her children, she was everything--loving, fun, wise, and endlessly giving. She taught them the importance of giving back, often feeding the homeless and quietly helping anyone in need. She was also the grandmother to Doug and his wife Tiffany's son Hunter, who she adored.

A true caretaker by nature, she dedicated her career to helping others--first as a nurse and then as one of the first female recruits in the Piitsburgh Bureau of Police

in 1977. Six years later, she was one of the first seven women promoted to detective. She rose through the ranks--Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Commander before retiring in 1997. She then joined Allegheny County Department of Emergency Services, eventually retiring as Assistant Chief.

Proud of her Italian and Greek roots and guided by strong Christian faith and values, she carried herself with warmth, grace, and deep moral conviction. She found deep joy in flowers and gardening, nurturing beauty wherever she went, just as she nurtured the people she loved. Her home, like her life, was always blooming. She loved to travel, whether it was the annual family trip to Hilton Head or a weekend jaunt to Amish country with friends.

She was famously the life of the party--a lover of disco, country music, ballroom dancing, cooking and laughter. She filled every room with joy and made everyone feel welcome. Her sweetness was felt by all who met her. One nurse taking care of her in the hospital shared that Diane was the sweetest patient she had ever cared for--a sentiment echoed by countless friends, family members, and colleagues throughout her life.

She lived loudly, loved deeply, and gave endlessly. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched, the family she adored, and the love she poured into the world.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor her memory by planting something beautiful, feeding someone in need, or simply dancing, just as she did, bringing light and love wherever you go.

There will not be a burial service. In the near future, we will have a celebration of life gathering.