Although I didn’t know you personally, I am grateful for the hard work you did and most especially for the son you brought into this world- Joey ! He’s been a good friend and a source of joy for many , including me . May you rest in peace Joseph Deluca 

Louise Wardell

Joey, 

I knew this day was coming soon,  especially after we all witnessed your fall on your birthday last year. I saw your health and spirit declining. I knew then the end was coming. This was very hard for me to accept, especially that I'm right behind you in age. We were the last ones left in that generation. 

As you know, I'm a Libra and they don't like change. Please forgive me that I couldn't be present there tonight because my heart is broken. I want to remember you sitting across the table from me having coffee talk. 

You always stopped by our condo for a quick cup before your day started or before you went home. We have shared so many beautiful and happy memories through the years & I will cherish them always. 

Joey, I really want to thank you personally for always showing up to the hospital & rehab every day after my heart surgery. Tony was gone then and I think you took his place sitting there with me. I'll never forget that. I truly thank you. 

You & Pop always called me Carolina. I'm going to miss that! My kids, Clement and Dana loved their "ZiZi Joe". He was always there for them, giving them hugs & kisses.

I know you were ready and wanted to go. I'm happy for you! I will keep you in my thoughts & prayers always. Till we meet again!


Love & Kisses, 
Carol  ... aka
Carolina Xoxo


P.S. - Hope they have Hershey chocolate kisses up there!

For anyone that encountered "Joey D." he left quite the impression. He was a foul-mouthed, feisty, stubborn fella that came across rough around the edges. 

But... if you really knew this man, you saw that although his exterior was guarded, he was actually a true softy on the inside. He had a very big heart that was hurt once or twice, but he was still a very giving & loving soul. 

He had many hobbies, but his most rewarding past time in life came from the time spent with family & friends. He was as reliable as they come. A devoted Catholic, despite the super glue around his halo. 

He didn't ask for much, but time and love. He always had a pep in his step and a smirk on his face. He told terrible jokes and laughed at them halfway through the delivery. He was a creature of habitand routine. He ran a tight ship like clockwork. 

He was a hard worker most of his life and an independent jack of all trades. He cherished each and every one of you, near and far. 

So today, we gather to say our goodbyes and well wishes. Let's pray that his soul finds peace. He will be greatly missed, fondly remembered and forever loved.

ZiZi Joe, You have been an ongoing staple in my life throughtout the years since birth. A constant support system and a true presence. Being a close Uncle & also my Godfather has created a special bond between us. More so, like a father-daughter one. So many memories, I can't even count. All the Sunday dinners around the table growing up. Remembering you sneaking the fried meatballs that Nanny Paulie hid from you to save for us to arrive. The walks to Morris Park for Italian Icees afterwards. Sitting on the porch in those huge metal rocking chairs & just enjoying the simplicities of life together. I fondly recall outings on your boat, The Windsong up in New York, fishing with you. Then going crabbing with you down here in Florida by the canals. Hanging at the Oriole Gardens Clubhouse pool & all the weekends spent at the Lighthouse Cove. We had so many dysfunctional moments, silly fun & laughs. We also had many traumas and hard cries. I'm so thankful we were able to share in all of it ... the good, the bad & the ugly. We were blessed. We spent all our holidays together, birthdays, milestones and special occasions. You have ALWAYS showed up... not only for me, but for my family. You always popped into Doris to see Gary and you faithfully checked in on him every single day after his accident. You treated my kids as if they were your grandchildren. You always came bearing gifts. On a normal day, you had 2 huge Hershey bars in hand. Valentine's treats, Easter baskets, Halloween pumpkins filled with candy... and Christmas too. In later years, our new found tradition was to see how many chocolate kisses we could get on your head while you napped on our couch. We will cherish those pica. I'm forever grateful that God answered my prayer & you were able attend Valentina's Sweet 16, it was only 2 days before you fell which had then began your exit plan. Your last 5 weeks here were not pleasant, but I kept my end of the bargain to ensure your last wishes were met. Safe journey.

My deepest condolences to the family. I am sorry for your loss. May the memories of your loved one bring you comfort during this difficult time, and may you find strength and peace in the days ahead.

Rest in peace cousins Joey. You kept the family in touch, always reaching out and calling, and checking up on mom. You had the biggest heart. Rest in paradise with the family.

Cousin Donna
Rubbo DeStefano Grasso

For over twelve years, we were blessed to call him our neighbor and our friend. He was a man with a larger-than-life personality—boisterous, outgoing, and full of character. You always knew when he was around because he brought energy, laughter, and conversation wherever he went.
Some of our fondest memories were celebrating at his wonderful birthday parties, where friends and family gathered to enjoy his company and share in the joy he brought to others. We also spent many enjoyable days together at the racetrack, cheering, laughing, and creating memories that will stay with us forever.
One of his favorite traditions was going out for breakfast and enjoying meals at Olive Garden, where good food was always accompanied by great conversation. He even had a habit that always made us smile—he would take the extra forks and napkins home with him. When we’d joke with him about it, he would say, “We needed a set.”
My wife and I were fortunate to know him and to share so many years of friendship. Whether it was a simple shopping trip, time spent in the neighborhood, or just talking and laughing together, he had a way of making ordinary moments feel special.
Though he is no longer with us, the memories of his laughter, his spirit, and his unmistakable personality will stay with us always. He will be deeply missed, fondly remembered, and never forgotten. Love Mark & Carmen

So sorry for your loss. Joe and I were long distance friends for many years. We met at the pool many years ago when I was visiting my parents at their condo. It was a special friendship for many years that we shared. I always enjoyed our chats and the cards with notes in the mail. Joey was a special man who now has a special place in heaven. Thoughts and prayers for all of you. He always expressed how important his family was to him. Thank you for letting me know of his passing. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Zi Zi Joe! 
We will miss you dearly! Great memories with you and the family, especially at Nanny’s and Grandpa Clem’s house for Sunday Dinners. 
We had great times on your boat 🛥️ the SS Wind Song in City Island. You were like another Father to me. 
If someone ask me if I wanted sugar in my coffee …. I think of you always answering back … No I’m sweet enough 😂 
Say hello to everyone up there! 
Until we all meet again at the table! 
❤️ 🙏 Antnee, Adele, Ariana and Alexis.

OBITUARY

Joseph De Lucia

June 9, 1938 – May 30, 2026

Kraeer Funeral Home & Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens

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