Obituary of Frank Stephen DeLucia, Ph.D.

Frank Stephen DeLucia, Ph.D.

California/Rochester - Frank died on December 12, 2018, of Multiple Myeloma at his home surrounded by members of his loving family. He was born on March 10, 1941, in Rochester, NY.  He was predeceased by his parents Stephen and Millie DeLucia and his first wife of 37 years, Merry Leigh Wagner DeLucia. 

Frank will be remembered as a scholar and lifelong learner.  He was proficient in five languages and made many friendships over the span of five continents. While living in New York, he graduated from The Aquinas Institute, class of 1958.  He received a BA degree in History from St. John Fisher College where he was a member of the honor society, Pi Gamma Mu, became Fisher's Director of Audio Visual Services where he instituted their media program; he received an MA in History from Niagara University; an MS in TV/Radio from Syracuse University; and after relocating to CA, a Ph.D. in Education (Instruction Technology) from USC. There he went on to be an Adjunct Assistant Professor from 1971-1983.

Frank was a veteran of the United States Army Reserve, serving for six years (1964-70) with the 401st Civil Affairs Battalion.

Professionally, Frank was highly regarded as an expert in creating training manuals and educational materials encompassing all levels from entry level to top management. He was referred to as "Dr. Frank" by his clients, including IBM, Xerox, E. I. DuPont, banks, and many other business institutions.

The most important aspect of Frank's life was his love of family and many friends.  He and his first wife, Merry Leigh, were avid runners.  They completed the rigorous Catalina Marathon on his 50th birthday; and Frank, after 60 years of running, had accumulated enough miles to run around the world! They hiked with friends throughout the West, in France, New Zealand, and Peru.

Frank's love for his faith was evident in his devotion as an Extraordinary Eucharist Minister, participated in the RCIA program, and was a member of the Married Couples Club at Holy Trinity Church.

Volunteering and being a good neighbor were other important parts of Frank's life.  He was a docent at the Pt. Fermin Lighthouse, worked in soup kitchens, volunteered for Parkinson Moving Day in Rochester, NY, and shared his love of learning by reading to school children. He kept watch over his neighbors and constantly shared his passion for knowledge with others.

After Merry Leigh's death, Frank was once again to find happiness in his marriage in 2015 to his second wife, Mary Grace Gerlits-DeLucia.  She, too, was much loved and welcomed into the DeLucia family. She was his rock in providing strength and support to Frank in his final days.

In addition to Mary Grace, Frank is survived by Frank's siblings and their spouses, Mary (Dick) Clar, Millie (Don) Lewis, Steve (Ginny) DeLucia; their eight children; 13 grandchildren, one great grandchild. His in-laws, Edward and Kathy Gerlits; step-children Heather (Frank) Baker, Michael (Hayley Vane) Rosas; their four step-grandchildren; Uncle Al and Aunt Felicia DeLucia; many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

Frank's welcoming smile, sense of humor, his academic scholarship, loyalty to family and friends, and mischievous eyes will be missed by all who knew him. A Celebration of Frank's life was held in San Pedro, CA.  A second Celebration of Frank's life will be on his parent's 84th wedding anniversary, June 29, 2019, at 10:00 a.m. at Church of the Annunciation, 1754 Norton St., Rochester, NY 14609. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Frank's memory to Parkinson's Foundation Greater Rochester Chapter's Moving Day, 1000 Elmwood Avenue, Suite 1600, Rochester, NY 14620, 585-234-5355, www.movingdaywalk.org/bubblesbrigade