Patricia DeLuca

Trish Rush DeLuca, left our lives on Saturday, December 17th, 2022.  She was born April 19, 1956 in Jersey City, New Jersey to William J. Rush and Veronica (Hoy) Rush. She was the fourth of ten children.  She is survived by four sisters: Susan Cavaliere, Gina Herzfeld, Veronica Lapka and Peggi Clemson and five brothers: Billy, Peter, Patrick, James and Tommy Rush.

Trish was married to Vincent DeLuca, and they had two sons, Matthew (predeceased on July 27, 2021) and Colin Deluca; and grandmother to Vincent (Vinnie) De Luca. She was also a loving aunt to 20 nieces and nephews and 13 great nieces and nephews, who will dearly miss her bright, loving presence in their lives.

She was known for her keen intelligence, boundless heart and unparalleled sense of humor.  She was born to make a mark in this world that would leave an indelible impression if you had the opportunity to call her a friend or the misfortune to cross her.  In her career, she spent approximately 25 years in management in Human Resources.  Her life mission was evident in the many years in 12 Step Recovery and endless hours of service in the field of addiction, recovery and as a patient advocate in mental health. 

Trish’s passion was seen most clearly with her fierce determination to survive this past year with an ultimately terminal lung disease, to be there for her son, Colin.  This was a battle we are all in awe of, but not surprised at all with her will to live and love of her family as her highest priority in life.  She will be missed immeasurably and we are all blessed because we knew and were loved by her.

Celebration of Life will be held at Horizon Funeral Home, Toms River, NJ on January 14, 2023 from 2-4 PM, after which a private ceremony for family will commence.  In lieu of flowers, any donations can be made to City of Angels NJ, Inc. a non-profit organization for the treatment of addiction in Hamilton, NJ.