Obituary of Stephen P. Dellaira

Stephen P. Dellaira

After a prolonged battle with illness, our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend Stephen died peacefully in his sleep on September 10, 2023, at the age of 77.

Steve was a literal jack of all trades with many varied professions and interests including electrical engineer, professional photographer, woodworker, and furniture maker. He ran his own woodworking school for many years, and was an avid road bicyclist, fly fisherman, hunter, shooter, skier, chef, and lover of music. Steve was also a proud veteran of the United States Navy, serving in the Vietnam War era. Steve will be remembered by those who knew him as a fiercely loyal, loving, and generous person who would drop everything to help you with anything he could, without question. He was happiest when he was surrounded by his family and many friends, entertaining and cooking each 4th of July (where he especially loved leading the lighting off of fireworks) and on Christmas Day (where friends would come for miles around just to have a bite of his famous quiches!)

Stephen graduated from Trenton High School in 1964. Subsequently, in 1965, he enrolled at The University of Georgia, followed by his attendance at Long Island University from 1966 to 1968. Following his studies, he enlisted in the Navy and served on an ammunitions ship from 1969 to 1971.

Stephen is survived by his devoted wife of 54 years, Susan (Kotz) Dellaira; his children, Jonathan Dellaira and his wife, Kristi; and Kathryn (Dellaira) Short and her husband, Ray. He is also survived by four beloved grandchildren: Ryan and Tyler Short, and Scarlett and Riley Dellaira. He was preceded in death by his parents, Angelo and Mildred Dellaira, as well as his brother, Anthony Dellaira, and Anthony's wife, Ann.

The funeral service will take place at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, September 20, 2023, at the FitzGerald-Sommer Funeral Home 17 S. Delaware Ave. Yardley, PA 19067. Visitation for family and friends will be held from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. Interment of the Cremains will follow at Washington Crossing National Cemetery 830 Highland Rd. Newtown, PA 18940.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Wounded Warrior Project (www.woundedwarriorproject.org) or a charity of their choice. Condolences for the family can be left at www.fitzgeralsommerfuneralhome.com