Delduca, Joseph Michael
West Newton, PA
Joseph Michael Delduca passed away on August 1, 2013 in Ypsilanti, Michigan, at the age of 87 after a prolonged illness, with his family by his side. Joe was born on November 17, 1925 in Elizabeth (Blaine Hill), Pennsylvania, the son of Italian immigrants. He had fond memories of growing up and attending school in West Newton (Class of 1943), and working in Seifert's Bakery until he joined the U. S. Navy during World War II, where he served on the submarine USS Clamagore (SS343) from 1944-1946. He worked as a pipefitter for 44 years in US Steel's Clairton Works, and was a member of the United Steelworkers of America Local 1557. He also worked as a stone mason with his stepfather and brothers, and built his house in West Newton where he and his wife lived for many years and raised their family. He was active in the Clamagore Veteran's Association, serving as Historian for a number of years. Joe enjoyed cooking, crossword puzzles and word games, traveling, and following Pittsburgh sports teams, and most of all he loved fellowship with family and friends. Joe is survived by his wife of 50 years, Grace Theresa Marie Daittillio Delduca; his sons Michael and David; his grandsons Benjamin and Daniel; his daughter-in-law Margaret; his siblings Eddie and Dorina, and numerous nieces and nephews and their children. He was preceded in death by his father Giuseppe; his mother Maria Cherubini ("Nonna"); his stepfather John Pierce; his sister Eva; and his brothers Michael and Jimmy.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 6, from 6-8 pm at the Anthony L. Massafra Funeral Home, 40 Second Street Extension, Donora, PA, (724) 379-6900, where prayers will be recited on Wednesday August 7, at 10:00 AM. A funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Edward's Church, 120 St. Edward's Lane, Herminie, PA 15637, (724) 446-5197, at 11:00 am on Wednesday, August 7, and the funeral procession will stop for military honors in the West Newton Cemetery at the War Memorial, then continue on to Mon Valley Memorial Park in Donora for a commitment service.
Memorial gifts may be made to the Alzheimer's Association (alz.org); the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (lls.org) ; or the Gilbert Residence, 203 South Huron St., Ypsilanti, MI 48197, (734) 482-9498. If you would like to leave a memory about Joe in the family's guest book, go to www.massafrafuneralhome.com and follow the ONLINE TRIBUTE link.