Ernest L. Delucchi (Ernie)

On June 30th, Ernest “Ernie” Delucchi passed away peacefully from a Glioblastoma surrounded by his loving family. After his diagnosis Ernie said, “It was a great ride”…and it was indeed. Ernie was born on September 23,rd 1945, to Ben and Lena Delucchi. He joined older brother, Gene, and later, younger brother Michael completed the Delucchi family. Ernie grew up in the Victory Park neighborhood, was active in the Sea Scouts and graduated from Amos Alonzo Stagg High School. After high school he enlisted in the Navy during the Vietnam War. Upon his safe return to Stockton, Ernie could be seen around town in his brand new, hot GTO where his love of cars began. After a short time he began working for Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a job he eventually had for 32 years, where he was known for his work ethic, knowledge and people skills. His father suggested that he get to know the “cute redhead” that lived down the street. Not only did he follow his father’s suggestion, he married the love of his life, Joyce. At the time of his passing, they had been married 47 wonderful years. After a few years, Ernie and Joyce welcomed daughter, Gina and later son, Anthony. Ernie was the best example of what a dad should be. His family was his priority. He loved supporting all of their endeavors such as swimming, basketball, water polo and ice hockey. He was proud of their accomplishments as they became adults and married. He was delighted when his grandchildren (Mia, Olivia, Sophie and Marco) were born and never missed their activities. He was a loving and devoted grandfather. It was Ernie’s passion for the game of hockey that shaped a large portion of his life. He learned to play as a youngster at the fairground’s ice rink. He began playing in an adult league at the Oak Park Ice Arena and soon was part of the Stockton Colts. As he became older, he played senior hockey for the Stockton Rink Raiders. He also played in the Charles Shultz Snoopy World Senior Hockey Tournament for the Reno Aces. During that time, he and Joyce had the opportunity to travel to Europe three times where Ernie played in many countries with his Raider teammates. He made lifelong friends through hockey. He survived the bumps and bruises of this rough and tumble sport and was known as a true gentleman on the ice…quite a feat for a defenseman! After his retirement, he also took up the game of golf. As most golfers do, Ernie had a love/hate relationship with golf…but mostly love. He and his buddies played golf almost daily at local courses, but he saved the weekends for Joyce and his family. As a sportsman, Ernie supported our local teams and was a season ticket holder for the Stockton Heat hockey team and Stockton Ports. Once a sailor, always a sailor, Ernie loved the water. Whether on a houseboat on the Delta or on a ship at sea Ernie was in his element. He and Joyce had the opportunity to cruise the Caribbean, Hawaii and around the Horn in South America. Their last cruise in November took them to the Amazon. He twice traveled to Lake Charles, Louisiana and proudly helped restore his Navy ship, the USS Orleck. Throughout his life he was always helpful to friends and neighbors in need. He never complained if his day was interrupted or if he had to cancel plans to lend a hand to others. He was a member of Karl Ross Post 16 American Legion and active in the Lunetta Post 52 Veterans of Foreign Wars. He will be greatly missed by his family and those who were lucky enough to call him a friend. Yes, it truly was a great ride. Ernie was preceded in death by his parents and sister-in-law Phyllis Clark. He is survived by his wife, Joyce, his daughter Gina Delucchi-Anderson (Doug) of Folsom, his son, Anthony Delucchi (Shannon) of Burlingame and grandchildren, Mia and Sophie Anderson and Olivia and Marco Delucchi, his brothers Gene Delucchi (Eva) and Mike Delucchi(Christine), plus nieces, nephews and cousins throughout California. As befitting a sailor, the Neptune Society is in charge of arrangements. A celebration of Ernie’s life is scheduled for Friday July 8th at Morris Chapel, UOP, at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations to UCSF Helen Diller Comprehensive Cancer Center (http://cancer.ucsf.edu/_docs/howtohelp/donor_form.pdf) or to the USS Orleck Museum (http://orleck.org) in Ernie’s name.