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A Few Clouds The best guy in the world
Cedarhurst’s John Deleo dies at 84
Family and friends will remember a man who could talk to everybody and was actively involved in several community organizations as the best guy in the world.
John Deleo, a lifelong Five Towns resident, died at his Cedarhurst home on April 11. He we was 84.
Deleo graduated from Lawrence High School before attending Farmingdale Agricultural College where he studied landscaping design and ornamental horticulture. He owned his own landscaping business for 35 years before he transitioned into being a construction contractor.
In 1949, Deleo married Marie Viega, of Inwood, who he had known since their days at Lawrence High School. “He was always laughing and had jokes to tell,” Marie said. “He talked to anybody.”
As an active community member, Deleo coached baseball for Cedarhurst Little League, was a member of the Police Boys Club of Inwood and Sons of Italy, also in Inwood.
Deleo joined Kiwanis in 1969 and is a past president of the Hewlett-based Peninsula Kiwanis and a distinguished Lt. governor of the Long Island South West Division, according to Peninsula Kiwanis Past President Christopher McGrath. “John was the best guy in the world,” McGrath said.
Anthony Merendino, a Peninsula Kiwanis member, knew Deleo for 15 years and said Deleo would often accompany him to Kamp Kiwanis, located in upstate New York, and help with construction projects. “He was always giving back to the kids,” Merendino said. “John was always very pleasant, friendly and embraced everyone who joined Peninsula Kiwanis.”
The Peninsula Kiwanis bi-annual food drive was close to Deleo’s heart as he would collect kosher and non-kosher food and deliver it to St. Joachim’s Church and the Jewish Community Center of the Greater Five Towns, both in Cedarhurst.
According to McGrath, the John Deleo food drive will continue. This year the drive will be held on May 19 and 20 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at King Kullen at 1765 Peninsula Blvd. in Hewlett.
Deleo is survived by his wife, Marie, daughter, Doreen, sons Michael and John Jr., son-in-law James Gammello, daughters-in-law Betty and Donna, sister Millie, grandchildren Kristen, Kimberly, Christopher and Stephanie.
Services were held on April 13 at Perry Funeral Home in Lynbrook and a mass was held at St. Joachim’s Church the following day. He was interred at Greenfield Cemetery in Uniondale.
The family has asked that all donations be made to Kamp Kiwanis to help send children in need to summer camp. Checks should be sent to the Peninsula Kiwanis, P.O. Box 301, Hewlett, NY, 11557.
