Henry De Luca

Henry Rosario De Luca of Wilmington, Vermont passed away unexpectedly at his home on November 6, 2018. Henry was born in Brooklyn, New York on November 21, 1943 to Louis De Luca and Rose (Maniscalco) De Luca . He grew up in Brooklyn and was a 1961 graduate of Bushwick Highschool and attended the Food and Maritime Trades Vocational School. After graduating, Henry spent 2 years in Chicago studying the Culinary Arts before Joining the Navy. During his Naval career as a skilled baker, he created culinary masterpieces for many high ranking admirals at esteemed events earning a rank of Petty Officer, 2nd class. In 1970, he moved to Keene, NH after starting his family and serving four years in the US Navy, In Keene, Henry worked as a Security Officer for Keene State College and then as a long time baker for Dunkin Donuts. In 2007, Henry moved to Wilmington, VT to be closer to his family. He enjoyed working as a security guard at Mount Snow Resort until his recent retirement. Henry lived for his grandchildren. He was lovingly known as "Bumpa" to all. He was Twin Valley School's biggest sports fan and never missed a Wildcat event. Henry was a member of many families including his horse racing family, his poker family, and his Dot's of Wilmington family. He met friends all over the world as part of his HAM radio hobby. Henry loved fishing. He spent every spare moment on the ocean reeling in stripers and bass and entertaining those around him. He shared his fish as well as his fish stories with all who would listen. During baseball season, we all looked forward to his love of the Yankees and in the fall, we looked forward to his football squares and his contempt for the Patriots. Despite his taste in sports' teams, he was loved by all! He is survived by his two daughters: Kori DeLuca and husband Travis Wendel of Wilmington, VT, Kerri Boyd and husband Seth of Whitingham, VT; his 4 grandchildren: Skyler and Sadie Boyd and Liam and Simon Wendel; his sister Margaret Zontini of Massapequa, NY; his nephews Benny Palmeri and wife Helene of Port Moody, BC; Michael Zontini of Cary, NC and nieces Deborah (Zontini) Gadbois and husband Joseph Gadbois of Massapequa, NY; Maria Palmeri of Orlando,Fl ; great nieces and nephews Vincent and Cole Palmeri, Nicolas, Ava and Mia Gadbois; adopted family in Kenya: Adelaide Kariuki and her daughter Janet Wambere. Henry is predeceased by his parents as well as his sister Rosanna Palmeri; nephew Louis Palmeri and brother in law Lawrence Zontini. Please join us for a Celebration of Henry's Life on Sunday, November 18 at 1pm at the Twin Valley Middle High School (4299 Vermont Route 100, Whitingham, Vermont, 05361) In lieu of flowers, donations are welcome for Henry's favorite cause: The Twin Valley Wildcat Booster Club. (Same address as above) or the Jacksonville Community Church, VT-112, Jacksonville 05342. Please join us for a Celebration of Henry's Life on Sunday, November 18 at 1pm at the Twin Valley Middle High School (4299 Vermont Route 100, Whitingham, Vermont, 05361)