Obituary of William F. De Luca

William Francis De Luca, a lifelong Madison resident, died at his home peacefully on Thursday, January 27, 2023 at the age of 98. There were two things that were the essence of Bill’s entire life: his family who he loved deeply and his faith. He gave his heart and soul to God, family and his career.

Bill was born on August 24, 1924 on Community Place in Madison, the first son to Italian immigrant parents, the late Anthony and Rose De Luca. He had a sister, Antoinette and a younger brother, Philip who died at age 12. Even as a child Bill was a disciplined hard worker, mature beyond his years, who helped his small, poor family.

Bill was a graduate of Madison High School, and later earned both his Esq. and MBA. He had a lifelong thirst for knowledge and education, which he instilled in his children, grandchildren and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

After graduating high school Bill joined the United States Marine Corps and served in World War II. He was sent to the South Pacific, where Bill endured the battle of Iwo Jima, taking part in the Marine invasion on the first day of battle for the island on February 19, 1945. Bill was present for the entire five-week battle for Iwo Jima, some of the fiercest of the entire Pacific War.

After returning from the war Bill met his bride and beloved best friend, Viola Louise De Luca (née Cortellini). They were married and settled in Madison where they welcomed seven children into their young family. Bill and Viola fell in love with a Victorian home on Green Avenue as they needed a bigger home for their growing family. They extensively restored and renovated the old home beautifully over the years.

Bill had a career spanning well over 60 years in finance as a senior vice president with Kahn Brothers in New York City. He was a trader, investor and analyst who worked closely with his clients and helped to make the company what it is to this day. He was a very hard worker, often working three jobs to make life comfortable for his family. Bill was totally devoted to the intellectual practice of finance and always followed the market, even in his advanced age. He was also an adjunct professor, teaching business law at NYU and Union County College at night.  Bill had qualities you cannot train, among them fierce loyalty, honesty, trustworthiness and humbleness.

Bill was a renaissance man who appreciated the fine arts and had a vast knowledge in many subjects. He enjoyed poetry, opera, the fine arts and travel, especially to Cancun. Bill was an avid golfer, enjoyed playing bridge and was passionate about a variety of sports.

Bill had a good life, but a hard life. Nonetheless he remained steadfast and will always be lovingly remembered by his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a man of strength, courage, voracity, integrity, generosity, and perseverance.

In addition to his parents, Bill was predeceased by his beloved wife of 69 years, Viola Louise De Luca in 2019; his grandsons, Anthony Esposito, Jr. & baby Anthony De Luca. He is survived by his three loving sons, William F. De Luca, Jr. (Denise) of Albany, NY, Philip R. De Luca (Christine) of Lewiston, NY, Anthony De Luca (Patricia) of South Orange; four devoted daughters, Rose Angela De Luca (Rev. Frederick Boyle) of West Caldwell, Christina Tsourtsoulas (Dimitrios) of Kastoria, Greece, Viola E. DeLuca “Yo-Yo” of Madison, and Adrianna Esposito (Anthony) of West Orange; 14 cherished grandchildren; 12 beloved great-grandchildren; and many loving nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend the visitation on Sunday, January 29, 2023 from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the Madison Memorial Home, 159 Main Street, Madison.

Funeral services will begin at the funeral home at 9:00AM on Monday, January 30, 2023 prior to a 10:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at St. Vincent Martyr RC Church, Madison. Those who wish may attend the mass virtually by visiting www.svmnj.org

Interment with military honors will follow at St. Vincent’s Cemetery, Madison.

In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions may be made in Bill’s memory to St. John's Soup Kitchen, 22 Mulberry Street, Newark, NJ 07102, or to the Little Sisters of the Poor, 140 Shepherd Lane, Totowa, NJ 07512