IN MEMORIAM: ‘PJ’ Dellelo, 88;
Navy Veteran Was NYSEG Retiree
LAURENS – Patrick J. “PJ” Dellelo, 88, a Navy veteran and NYSEG retiree, passed away at home on May 15, 2017.
He was born in Oneonta on Sept. 12, 1928, to Patsy and Matilda (Martin) Dellelo. He married Ruth C. Montgomery on July 1, 1952.
PJ attended Oneonta High School, played varsity football and graduated at age 16. He joined the Navy, serving eight years, and was honorably discharged as an electronics technician, second class.
He later continued his education in the construction program at SUNY Delhi, graduating in 1956. Prior to his retirement, PJ was employed by NYSEG.
Patrick enjoyed traveling and visiting Indian and other historic sites. He enjoyed designing and building furniture, especially table tops and mirrors. He was always tinkering with small projects and willing to offer assistance to others. It wasn’t unusual to find him on top of a roof (in his seventies) or offering help in other ways. He was an avid reader of the National Geographic and science magazines and other nonfiction books. He also enjoyed going to flea markets and antique shows looking for treasures.
After he gave up driving, PJ became a recluse, It took the efforts of son Tony, niece Denise Brandow and Sharon to get him to his doctor’s appointments, shopping and sometimes to a restaurant. A visit by family friend Brian Dintruff would often brighten his day and put him in the mood to venture out of the house.
PJ is survived by his two sons, Tony L. Dellelo of Rochester, and Patrick (Wayne) Dellelo of Everett, Wash.; two daughters, Karen F. Dellelo of Freemont, Neb., and Inez (Lucy) Bailey of Springfield, Ore.; grandchildren Kenneth, Rebecca, Angel, Nathaniel, Erralee, Erin, Jonathon, Martin and Katelynn.
He is also survived by his sisters, Esther (Leon) Vandermark of Oneonta, Eleanor (Leonard) Beers of Norwich, Martha Delello of Oneonta; his brother, Frederick (Nancy) Delello of Oneonta; numerous greatgrandchildren, nieces and nephews; close companion, Sharon Coulter and family.
Patrick was predeceased by his parents, wife, daughter Mary; sisters Cecelia, Philamena and Joan Delello, Bernice (Deforest) Mulkins, Frances (Maurice) Walley, Carole (Joseph) Maddalone; brothers, Martin (Edith) Delello, Bernard (Thelma, Rose) Delello ; grandson, Timothy Gardner-Dellelo.
Graveside committal, with military honors, will be held by family and friends at the Laurens Village Cemetery in Laurens at a later date.