Daniel G. DeBlasio

Daniel Gaddy DeBlasio of Leland passed away Saturday, April 29, 2017, at Lower Cape Fear Hospice and Life Care Center in Wilmington.

Daniel, better known to his friends and loved ones as Dan, was born on June 1, 1969, in Washington DC, and was the son of Joe DeBlasio and the late Jean Gaddy DeBlasio.

Dan grew up in Maryland, Virginia and New York, and graduated Huntington High School. He settled in the Wilmington area around 1992, where he was employed by the Star News in addition to also working in construction and roofing. In 2013, he earned his CDL and was employed by Schneider Trucking Company.

Dan may be best remembered locally for his love of Halloween, and for the elaborate display he built in the front yard of his home in the Olde Towne neighborhood. He began planning his Halloween display in the spring, and it grew larger and more impressive every year, and was even featured in the Star News. The highlight was a haunted maze, and visitors who made it through received candy. Those who weren’t brave enough, however, didn’t escape entirely. Dan rigged a bladeless chainsaw to go off in the mailbox, ensuring that passersby who avoided his house still got a fright.

Dan was predeceased by his wife, Tracy DeBlasio.

He is survived by his father, Joe DeBlasio, his stepmother, Judi Meyers, his brother, Anthony “Tony” DeBlasio, a niece, Tonya DeBlasio, his father-in-law Trig Thoreson, and his two faithful dogs, Ivan and Loki.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00AM Wednesday, May 3, 2017 at Andrews Mortuary Market Street Chapel. Inurnment will be at a later date in Raleigh.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Brunswick County Humane Society.