Obituaries

Robert (Bob) L. DeLuca, Sr., a lifelong West Scranton resident, passed away peacefully on his 65th birthday Sunday afternoon while surrounded by his adoring family at Allied Hospice in Scranton. His highschool sweetheart, best friend and wife of 43 years, Cindy (Lavin) DeLuca, survives. The couple were married June 12, 1976.
Born on November 17, 1954, and son of the late Benjamin, Sr. and Helen (McHugh) DeLuca, Bob was a graduate of West Scranton High School, Class of 1972. A butcher by trade, he worked at Insalaco’s and then Skettino’s before opening and operating his Januzzi’s Pizza franchise in Chinchilla. For fourteen years prior to his illness, Bob worked for Gerrity’s Supermarket.
Bob spent years as a Lackawanna Little League baseball and West Side Falcons football coach, and as a longtime sports fan he rooted for the Penn State Nittany Lions, New York Yankees and Pittsburgh Steelers. Bob loved music – all music – from listening to making it. A naturally talented musician, he once even served as drummer for his band, “Between the Rafters.” Also talented in the kitchen, it was his recipe for Christmas pizza rolls that became a family tradition which will long live on.
Despite any physical limitations he endured, Bob remained positive and kept high spirits despite a grim initial glioblastoma diagnosis over fifteen years ago. Both his humor and his ability to tell jokes were legendary, especially to his beloved grandchildren. Bob’s spirit, memory and legacy, through his work ethic, humor, and selfless nature in battling whatever life threw his way, will forever continue through his family. Above all else came his family.
Of Roman Catholic faith, he was a member of St. Patrick’s Church in West Scranton.
He is survived by his children, Amy Tarchak and husband Matthew, Sr. of Carbondale, Robert DeLuca, Jr. and wife Rebecca of Scranton, Melanie Ann Smith and husband Michael of Madisonville and Katelynn DeLuca of Honesdale; eight grandchildren who adored their “Papa D”, Matthew, Jr., Zachary, Jacob, Sophia, Benjamin, Makayla, Harper and Catherine; his sister, Deborah DeLuca of Scranton; and many nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law and cousins.
A brother, Benjamin DeLuca, Jr., also preceded him in death.
His family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to all of those who provided such kindness and compassion, including Allied Hospice, especially Kelly Langan, Drs. Patrick Rogan and Douglas Laskie, the Lackawanna Blind Association, and to Telespond Services, whose staff and members Bob considered an extended family.
Funeral services are scheduled to begin on Thursday at 9:15AM from the Kevin K. Kearney Funeral Home, Inc., 125 North Main Avenue, Scranton, with a 10:00AM Mass of Christian Burial at St. Patrick’s Church, 1403 Jackson Street in West Scranton, to be celebrated by Rev. Richard Fox Pastor. Interment will follow at the Cathedral Cemetery, Scranton.
Relatives and friends may pay their respects on Wednesday between 4-7:00PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Bob’s name to the Glioblastoma Foundation c/o P.O.Box 62066, Durham, NC 27715.