John De Luisi

John J. De Luisi

John J. De Luisi  "Johnny Dee" 53 of Irvington passed away peacefully on July 17,  after a brief , but hard fought batttle with cancer.

Funeral from the Galante Funeral Home 2800 Morris Ave. Union on Tuesday at 9 AM Funeral  mass at St Andrew Kim Church Maplewood at 10 AM. Interment Gate of Heaven Cemetery.  Visitation Monday 2-7  pm.

Johnny was born in Newark and raised in Maplewood having graduated from Columbia High School. He worked for many years at Butler Aviation leaving to pursue his lifelong dream of becoming a firefighter. John considered it a privilege to be a part to the Irvington Fire Department and served with pride for 17 years up until his illness.

He loved life and although it was not always kind to him, he always bounced back from adversity with a new resolve. His quick wit and unique sense of humor always made him fun to be around. He had countless friends from every walk of life and he was loved by all. Yet it was the band of "brothers" that spanned decades, always loyal even up to the end who were his heart and soul.

Pre deceased John in death was his beloved mom, Eileen (Nee Ciampi). Left behind to mourn are his dad and buddy Mario J. De Luisi who looked forward to his daily chats with his son.  John also leaves his brother Peter and wife Debbie, sister Sandra and her husband Ted, sister Susan Radice, and her former husband Ben who remained and friend to John,  sister Joan Dante,  and sister Marilyn Perretti and her husband Richard. Also left to mourn are 13 nieces and nephews, who count it a blessing to have been raised with the love and guidance of "Uncle Johnny" a fixture at every holiday table who leaves memories etched in their hearts forever.

And finally with tremendous sadness , left behind to grieve is John's cherished feline companion, Wrigley whom God saw fit to deposit on his doorstep creating an  bond and irrevocable love. Donations can be made in Johnny's memory to St. Judes Childrens Hospital Memphis Tenn., which has a special place in Johnny's heart.