Anthony DeLuca

Anthony (Tony) Cristo DeLuca was born on January 17, 1932 in Clarksburg, West Virginia to Cristo and Maria DeLuca. He graduated from Washington Irving High School in 1950. He joined the Navy in 1951 and stationed in Atlantic City assigned to the aircraft carrier Lake Champlain during the Korean Conflict. He was honorably discharged in 1955. Upon being discharged from the Navy he settled in Los Angeles with his older brother Joe. Tony learned the jewelry trade and diamond setting working at his brother’s jewelry store in Los Angeles where he was introduced to Helen Tomaino. They were married on August 11, 1956 and made their first home in Torrance, CA where they welcomed their sons James and Michael. They moved to Los Angeles and lived there until 1966 when they moved to Seal Beach and opened A.C. DeLuca Jewelers. During those years, besides manufacturing and designing beautiful jewelry pieces, Tony could be found at the Seal Beach Chamber of Commerce and at St. Hedwig coaching Little League, chairing the annual spaghetti dinners, serving beer at the annual Autumn Fest, helping out at the Precious Life Center, and serving as a Eucharistic Minister. Those years also brought another love, his three grandchildren - Chelsea Francesca, Roc Anthony and Troy Michael. At home he kept busy walking his dog, maintaining his garden, playing golf, and attending his grandchildren’s many sporting events.

Upon retiring in 1996, Tony and Helen traveled to Italy, the Holy Land and multiple trips to visit family in and around West Virginia and to Colorado to visit Roc. He played golf more frequently and was content with a nice day out golfing and not so much his score. He truly was part of the “Greatest Generation”, from the son of an immigrant coal miner to a successful business owner and active, generous community member.

Tony was an active member of the Knights of Columbus Council 5568, the Order of Alhambra, and the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. He was Grand Knight of Council 5568 for two terms, District Deputy for two terms, and was awarded Knight of the Year and Family of the Year. For over 30 years, Tony chaired the fundraising efforts for Orange County Chapter Charities and their annual Day of Sharing. He served two terms as Lay Master of Ceremonies for the Western Lieutenancy of Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem.  He was also a member of the Board of Directors for Orange County Chapter Charities and Orange County Catholic Charities for several years.  His influence of serving and loving Jesus has left a profound legacy for his family.

In 2016, Tony was blessed with a great granddaughter, Avery Francesca. On August 11, 2017 Tony and Helen celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary with their family.  He was affected by a rare metastasis of prostate cancer in his cranial nerves which affected his facial muscles, hearing, and swallowing.  He passed away peacefully on November 22, 2017. He is survived by his wife Helen, sons Jim and Mike, daughter-in-law Kathleen, grandchildren Chelsea and her husband James (great granddaughter Avery), Roc and Troy.

In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer donations to the charities that Tony was actively involved with.

Catholic Charities Columbian Disability Services  http://ccoc.org/donate/

Orange County Chapter Charities http://occhaptercharities.org/help-us/

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