Carmen DeLuccia

Carmen “Nooch” DeLuccia, age 80, of Wayne, passed peacefully at home on Wednesday, October 23, 2024.

Born and raised in Paterson, he graduated from Central High School in the Class of 1962 and attended Passaic County Technical Trade School for drafting, graduating in 1965.

Soon after, Carmen was drafted into the United States Army, serving with Company C, 1st Battalion (M) of the 58th Infantry, and later with the 197th Infantry Brigade 3D. During his service, Carmen earned numerous honors, including the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 1 Bronze Service Star, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device 1960, Combat Infantryman Badge (1st Award), Purple Heart, 1 O/S Bar, and Sharpshooter (Rifle M-14). He was honorably discharged from the Army Reserves on November 18, 1971.

Carmen met Beverly through her sister Diane and they went to the movies on their first date. He proposed at the Fountain Blue Restaurant on Route 46, hiding the engagement ring in a glass of champagne. Shortly after, Carmen was drafted into the Army. He and Beverly stayed in touch during his service and continued their relationship after his discharge. They married on September 24, 1967, at St. Mary’s Church in Paterson, sharing 57 years of devoted marriage, blessed with a son, Dean, and a daughter, Nicole (Nikki).

Carmen was a man of unwavering loyalty, deeply devoted to his family. His love for his wife, children, grandchildren, and even his grand-dogs was evident in every aspect of his life. 

He found joy in simple pleasures, like cheering for his favorite teams, the New York Giants and New York Yankees. He loved fishing, especially while out on his boat in Beach Haven and taking photos on film, starting in Vietnam, and following the hobby throughout his life.

Family was central to Carmen’s life, and he made it a point to attend his grandchildren Jake and Brianna’s sporting events, whether it was football or soccer, always showing his support.

Carmen was also active in his community, dedicating many years to the Wayne Hills Patriots Booster Club, where he served as President, and was a proud member of the Pompton Lakes Elks Lodge. His musical talents shone in the Paterson drum corps, where he played the snare drum.

In his free time, Carmen tended to his beloved fig trees and visited local car shows. He was an accomplished carpenter, crafting everything from birdhouses, to custom gardens, to full-scale home additions. He was known for his ability to fix anything.

Carmen is survived by his beloved wife, Beverly (Montanya) DeLuccia; his son, Dean, and wife Tracy of Wayne; his daughter, Nicole “Nikki” DeLuccia of Wayne; cherished grandchildren Brianna and Jake DeLuccia; and his brother, John DeLuccia of Parsippany. He was predeceased by his siblings Neabla, Anthony, Ernesto, Alfonso, and his sister-in-laws Alice and Jean. He was also the much-loved grandfather of his granddog, Harley.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations to St Jude Children's Research Hospital would be greatly appreciated.