Francis “Brud” Deluca
Francis Mitchell (“Brud”) Deluca, a lifelong resident of Stamford, Connecticut, died at his home on April 29, 2022, surrounded by his wife and children. Born on June 7, 1934, Brud completed his family of four which consisted of his parents, Comfort Mitchell Deluca and Patrick A Deluca, and his sister, Rosemarie Deluca Meyer Hann; all of whom predeceased him.
Brud graduated from Brunswick School in 1952. While there, Brud was the center and captain of the undefeated Varsity football team. After graduation, Brud attended Princeton University and later graduated from Columbia University School of Architecture in 1959 with a degree in Construction Management. He served in the United States Army as an ammunition and explosive specialist from 1954 to 1956, obtaining the rank of Corporal and was stationed in France where he enjoyed the pastries so much that he quickly grew out of his uniform.
During his time at Columbia, Brud began dating Mary Louise Tobin, and after a whirlwind romance of only three months, he asked her to marry him. Brud said that he knew he loved her on their first date. They were married on June 27, 1959 and enjoyed a storybook marriage built on love and trust until Mary Lou’s death 49 years later on June 2, 2008. In 1965 Brud and Mary Lou were blessed with their first child, Amy Louise, and their family quickly grew with the addition of Patrick Francis in 1967, Margaret Anne (“Meg”) in 1969, and Cara Marie in 1971. On March 30, 2014, Brud married Leonor Lopez, and they enjoyed eight years of marriage together. Leonor was a supportive and caring wife, especially when he became ill and he was very grateful to have her by his side.
Brud was the President and CEO of The Deluca Construction Company which was started by his father in 1936. Deluca Construction built many schools and churches in the area, the most notable of which is the First Presbyterian Church, also known as the Fish Church: a Stamford landmark. Brud was very civic-minded and active in numerous organizations, including Stamford Rotary Club (Past President), Ferguson Library (Past Chairman), Salvation Army, Connecticut Carpenters Pension Fund, SACIA, United Way, Stamford Girls Club and Stamford National Little League. In addition, Brud served on the Board of Directors of First County Bank and was President and life member of Innis Arden Golf Club where he was an avid golfer and enjoyed countless close friendships.
Brud is survived by his wife, Leonor Lopez; his children Amy Louise Connington of Danbury, Patrick Francis Deluca of Wilton, Margaret Anne (“Meg”) Deluca of Darien, and Cara Marie O’Neill of Wilton; his children’s spouses, John Tripodi, Melanie Deluca and Daniel O’Neill; and his twelve grandchildren who brought him great joy: Richard, Daniel, Emma, Nicole,
Grace, Olivia, George, Luke, Madeline, Sophia, Reed and Mary Louise (“Lulu”). He is also survived by many close friends with whom he golfed, traveled, dined and laughed.
The family will receive relatives and friends on Monday, May 9 from 4:00pm to 8:00pm at the Leo P. Gallagher and Son Funeral Home, 2900 Summer Street, Stamford, Connecticut. For more information, please call 203 327-1313. A Mass will be celebrated at 10:00am on Tuesday, May 10 at Saint Catherine of Siena Church, 4 Riverside Avenue, Riverside, Connecticut.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Spence Chapin Services to Families and Children, 410 E. 92nd Street, New York, NY 10128 ( http://www. spence-chapin.org ) a charity that held great meaning and significance to the family and that Brud supported during his lifetime. To leave an online condolence please visit www.leopgallagherstamford.com