October 15, 1919 (Norwalk, CT) – April 17, 2002 (Jacksonville, NC); 82 years old
Married to Mafalda Ruta DeLuca (1918-1969) in Norwalk on October 27, 1945
Children are Christine DeLuca Davis, Joseph DeLuca Jr., Francis DeLuca, and Mark DeLuca (1953-1997 — buried with his parents in Arlington National Cemetery, Section 53, Grave 218).
Enlisted in 1938. Exact date is unknown.
Serial number unknown.
Multiple units — served 20 years, retiring in 1958.
Born to Salvatore (1888-1925) and Nancy Sansone DeLuca (1895-1984), both born in Italy. Two brothers, Frank (1919-1987) and Patsy (1918-1994).
Wounded in action in World War II. Details unknown.
From The Norwalk Hour September 16, 1958
Retiring after 20 years of Marine Corps service is Sgt. Joseph J. DeLuca (left, above) receiving congratulations from Brigadier General Austin R. Brunelli, commander of Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Sergeant DeLuca is a former “paramarine” and holder of the Purple Heart Medal. During World War II, he saw action in the Solomon Islands, Vella-LaVella, Bouganville, and Okinawa. In Korea, he participated in the Inchon Landing. The sergeant, his wife, and their four children will make their permanent home in Jacksonville, Florida. Sergeant DeLuca is the son of Mrs. Nancy DeLuca of 12 1/2 Hamilton Avenue and the late Salvatore DeLuca. He attended local schools and left at the age of 17 to join the Marines.
Buried in Arlington National Cemetery, 1 Memorial Ave, Arlington, VA. Section 53, Site 218. Photo from findagrave.com.
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