Joseph C. DeLuca, 46, of East Haven passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 28th, 2021 after a long and courageous battle at the Connecticut Hospice, Branford with his family by his side.  He was born in New Haven on October 24, 1974 and was the son of Francis “Chick” DeLuca and the late Carmela Giordano DeLuca.  Joseph earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Southern Connecticut State University and while there he re-founded the Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE) fraternity. He served his country faithfully as an E-5 Sergeant in the US Army and was deployed to Iraq in 2005.  During that time, Joseph was a member of Operation Iraqi Freedom 3.  Joseph was a Yale University employee for 12 years most recently with the Yale School of the Environment.  Joseph was also the owner/operator of the former One Gun Firearms LLC.   Firearm safety was his mission. He was a member of the East Haven Republican Town Committee, the Branford Elks and enjoyed being involved with the North Haven Congregational Church.  Joseph was known to be a true “foodie” and “techie”and his positive outlook on life was an inspiration to everyone he knew. Father of Gabriella DeLuca (Jennifer Febbroriello).  Brother of Frank DeLuca (Kimberly), Jim DeLuca (Jackie) and Laura Alden (Patrick).  Also survived by nieces and nephews.  In spite of all Joseph has been through with his illness, when asked he would always reply “It is what it is”.  He will truly be missed.

The visiting hours will be Saturday, July 31st from 2:00 to 5:00 PM at The Havens Family, North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue.  Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Gabriella DeLuca Education Fund, https://digital.fidelity.com/prgw/digital/familygifting/mlgLandingPage?uuid=074f7032c3064c45b948f65912c192ab&ccsource=LK529CT