Obituary of Joseph L. Dellago

Joseph (Joe) L. Dellago of Yardley, Pa died peacefully at home on Sunday March 19, 2017. He was 102 and a member of the "greatest generation." Born in Girardville, Pa, son of the late Casimir and Mary (Portland) Dellago. Joe was preceded in death by his wife, Theresa (Shovlin) Dellago; his son, Joseph; and his great grandson, Joseph Eslick. Joe formerly lived in Camp Hill, New Cumberland, and Levittown, Pa and Marmora and Marlton, NJ; for the past two years he lived with his daughter in Yardley, Pa. During World War II, Joe served in the infantry and was deployed to North Africa and Italy. After re-enlisting, he became a CW04 in the US Army and served tours of duty In Alaska, Germany and Greenland. Following his retirement from the military in 1967, he was the Business Administrator at Eastern State School and Hospital in Trevose, PA. Joe was formerly a member at St. Joan of Arc in Marlton and Resurrection in Marmora, NJ. He was a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus. He and his wife were involved in the Catholic Charismatic Renewal, almost from its inception. He was a Master Bridge Player, an avid poker player, and a tremendous sports fan. Joe's perennial favorite was Notre Dame. Joe loved people and made many friends over his lifetime, all of whom enjoyed his engaging stories. Joe was a devoted husband; he loved to dance with his wife, and in his own words, "We danced through life." Joe once told his family that the secret to a long life was dancing and of course, chocolate! He will be remembered as a beloved father, grandfather (Pop-pop), and great grandfather. Joe is survived by three daughters, Maryrose B. Wolodzko (John) of Yardley, Pa; Sharon Dellago-Dacey of Haddonfield, NJ; and Bernadette Dellago-Gately and her partner, JD Taylor of King of Prussia, Pa; four grandchildren, Desiree, Sean, Genevieve, and William; and three great grandchildren, Jimmy, Shane, and Grace. His funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 am Thursday at St. Ignatius Church, 999 Reading Avenue, Yardley. Burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery in Bensalem, Pa. Friends may call from 6 pm to 8 pm Wednesday at the FitzGerald-Sommer Funeral Home, 17 S. Delaware Avenue (River Road), Yardley, 19067. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Homes for Our Troops at www.hfotusa.org.