Obituary of John "Clyde" DeLuca

John (Clyde) DeLuca,

Of Winterpark, Florida, passed away on Saturday, September 25th with family at his side, after a short, courageous battle with cancer.  John was born on July 7, 1935, in Pietracamela, Italy to Maria (Sivitilli) and Carlo DeLuca. He spent his early life in a small, historic, Abruzzi mountain town and immigrated to the U.S. with his mother in 1948 in order to join his father who had immigrated earlier.  John became a draftsman for Westinghouse, East Pittsburgh, working for them for 45 years. He married his sweetheart, Jean Cherry, in 1960 and they had one son, Clyde DeLuca. He was also a father to his cousin, Joseph Franchi, and raised him as a son.  In 1982, Westinghouse transferred John to Orlando, Florida to continue his work as a draftsman for turbine generators, where he lived for the last 39 years. After his wife's passing, he met another wonderful woman, Julie Garrigan, and they spent many happy years together where they raised her grandson, Elijah Garrigan.  John was a wonderful father and grandfather. He adored and was adored by his grandchildren. He had a contagious smile and deep, hearty laugh that made everyone feel welcome. John loved gardening, cooking, and spending time with family around the warm, traditional, Italian dinner table sharing many stories and laughter.  Even though John moved out of Pittsburgh, he was a huge Steelers fan, and always enjoyed talking about the game, and the city he called home.  John was a man of faith. He was a strong, proud and good man. He is loved and will be missed by many!  He is preceded in death by parents, Carlo and Maria DeLuca, and his wife Jean (Cherry) DeLuca. He is survived by a son, Clyde (Michelle) DeLuca of Hyattsville, Maryland, son, Joseph (Lesa) Franchi of Gibsonia, Pennsylvania, loving partner, Julie Garrigan of Winterpark, FL, and grandchildren, Andrew DeLuca, Ariana Franchi, Tessa Franchi, Alaina Franchi, Elijah Garrigan, Kaytlin Brown and Garrett Hopkins.  Friends received Wednesday, October 6th, 2021 at the THOMAS L. NIED FUNERAL HOME INC. 7441 Washington Street, Swissvale. A blessing service will be held at the funeral on Wednesday afternoon at 1 P.M. Interment will follow at the All Saints Braddock Catholic Cemetery. www.niedfuneralhome.com