"It will be one year since that death of my father and I think about him all of the time. I wish I could turn back time so I could see him again. My wonderful memories of him will be with me forever. Miss ya dad. If anyone would like to see a memorial I created of my father, you can go to findagrave.com and do a search for his name. You can add messages or flowers to the site too. "
In loving memory of
Anthony DeLuca
January 8, 1941 - July 8, 2012
DeLUCA, Anthony (Tony); Owner of the Chapoton Woods Barber Shop in St. Clair Shores passed away July 8, 2012 at the age of 71.Beloved father of Angela Hillock (Robert), Vincent (fiancee Elizabeth Dombles), Eric (Cathy), and Regina. Dearest grandfather of Natalie and Brooke Hillock. Dear brother of Gloria Renaud (Ron) and Theresa Simun (John). Also survived by his companion of 17 years Janet DeLuca and her sons Marty and Tellis Monaster. Preceded in death by his parents Vincent and Angeline. Visitation Thursday 4-9pm and Friday 2-9pm at Chas. Verheyden Funeral Home, Inc., 28499 Schoenherr (S. of 12 Mile), Warren. Funeral Saturday 11:00am at the funeral home. Interment at Resurrection Cemetery, Clinton Twp.
Anthony DeLuca : Celebration of His Life
By Vince DeLuca
Anthony DeLucathe comedian, barber, musician, father, brother, grandfather, handyman, etc. There are many things that describe his life. Overall, Anthony was a loving and big hearted man who meant so much to so many people.
Mr. DeLuca was born on Jan. 8th, 1941or as he would tell everyone, I was born on the same day as Elvis Presley. As a young child, he knew he wanted to be a musician and entertain people. At the age of 9 or 10, his father let him take accordion lessons. His talent at an early age was obvious. As a result, Mr. DeLuca began performing on local TV shows including the Auntie Dee Show at age 12 and Meet Mr. Callaghan at age 16. At the age of 14, he also played in a wedding band called Jimmy Cramer & the C Notes. Shortly after starting this band, they dropped the trumpet player, became a trio, and called themselves The Melodies. Anthony was the front man in the group. He was an entertainer in the truest sense and knew how to keep his audience engaged.
At the age of 17, Anthony DeLucas godfather convinced him to enroll into Greens Barber College. He found yet another talent that became a lifelong career. He started by learning the ropes at Jake Kasbricks Barber Shop in Harper Woods, MI. After cutting hair for a while and feeling a little burned out, Mr. DeLuca went back to his first love, entertaining. During a 7 or 8 year period, he played the accordion and sang in local establishments full time. Initially, Anthony was a one man act. He had the charisma and talent to pull it off. Mr. DeLuca said people would tell him he wouldnt be able to keep an audience entertained with an accordion, but as everyone knows he was an amazing musician with a great voice and wonderful talent on the accordion. The one man band eventually became a duo when his friend Jim Kowalew (drummer) joined the group calling themselves the Tony Dell Duo. They played many shows together and eventually recorded an album together with the songs, Sweet Gypsy Rose and The Most Beautiful Girl in the World. After marrying my mother, Laura VanAssche, she took Jims place on drums and brought the band to a new level by including harmony and lead vocals.
After a good 7 8 year run as a full time entertainer, Anthony realized he had to settle down and go back to barbering. He still performed here and there on the weekends, but came to the realization that he had a family to support and had to give his liver a break. Tony the barber put his hair-cutting-cap back on and on Sept. 1st, 1979, he decided to take over Chapoton Woods Barber Shop. Mr. DeLuca spent 33 years cutting hair there. He was a staple in the community and developed a large business. Everyone in St. Clair Shores knew him...or if they didnt know Anthony DeLuca, they knew someone that knew him. He made a lot of friends there and lifetime customers.
Everyone knew of Mr. DeLuca as a barber, but the family knew him more for his talent as a musician. He was the life of the party. Whenever we had a get-together, family and friends would always ask, Did you bring your accordion Tony? Although he stopped entertaining for a living as he got older, you would always expect to hear him play at family gatherings. Everyone loved hearing him perform and expected it. Although he will no longer be with us, the great memories of this part of our life will never be forgotten.
Anthony DeLuca was known as a funny manalways cracking jokesalways making light of things in life. He was a positive part of many peoples lives, very generous, had a magnetic personality, fun to be around, a caring person, always there to give advice, and had a huge heart as Janet, his significant other would always say. He was a wonderful father. Our family loved him so much. He will be missed by so many people. I am so grateful you were a part of my life, dad. We all have so many great memories and stories that will be with us forever.
Tributes
"Tony DeLuca was a very nice, classy man. I was lucky enough to work with him from 1971 through 1973 and always looked up to him. It's not at all surprising to read wonderful tributes to him from his clients, family and friends. The world was a better place with Tony in it. "
"I will miss you Dad,I have great memories of you playing the accordian to me and making up songs just for me,coming over on a Sunday and bringing a "pizza pie" and canolli!!!I know your at peace now....I Love You!!"
"Tony, our family shared many memories with you. our sons first haircuts, playing music with my dad, and many other memories when Mike was still with us. You were very kind to my father when i brought him in for a haircut, you would play his polka's to make him smile. Went to the nursing home and kept his hair neat as always. U both passed on the same day just two days apart. You both are now playing music in heaven together. You will be deeply missed."
"I didn't know Mr. DeLuca, but felt like I did because I'd pass by the barber shop every day on my way to school and see him working. My condolences to the family."
"Tony, one your customers. will miss our chit chats."
"While I did not know Mr DeLuca, I went to school with his sister Gloria. My deepest sympathies to her, Ron, and the family. May he rest in peace."
"Tony was a good gental humane being. I play ed in the first band with Tony when I was 12 years old. We were close friends all through our teen age years. The world could use more people like him for sure. Tony's parents were super people who always insisted that I have diner with them whem I was over to the house on Liberal Steet in Detroit. I'm sure he will be missed by many people. Tony was one of a kind. RIP Tony. "
"Tony's music was the first record I ever played and sang a song to. Nothing like "Sweet Gypsy Rose or "The Most Beautiful Girl"... Tony you will be missed and will always have a special place in my heart. Sing loud and sing often in heaven! "
"Tony was a great barber and even better person. He will be missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. Great great guy."
"Our deepest sympathy go out to all the members of the DeLuca family. Tony will be greatly missed by all of us! I have a fond memory of Tony playing the accordian at the bar, with my father, Vincent Seta, (Tony's uncle Jim) singing "South of the Border" back in the early 80's. My father was very envious of Tony's talent because he loved to tell jokes and entertain too. They are probably telling jokes in heaven right now! Rest in peace cousin."
"Tony, i am really going to miss you a ton. I always appreciated a great hair cut and so did my son Thomas. I first me you in 1983 and i liked you from the very start. Liked Jake's "stories" about you from the early years. It was always fun giving you a musical Christmas card...every year. i know how much you loved them. I was sad to hear you went to be with the Lord. i will keep you, Tony in my prayers. R.I.P Tony. BRIAN J. PARENT...long time customer"
"Dad words can't express the hole left in of hearts, but your sense of humor and musical ability to entertain, could light up a room. I'm sure your bellowing out your accordian and telling jokes right now, and that puts a smile on my face. God took you way too early..but I'm just glad we spent the time together we did in the work place and in the home. Love ya always! - Eric, your son
Tony (dad) I will always cherish the awesome times we spent together..your funny jokes and when you played your accordian for us, is a memory that will last forever...til then..we will see you again one day..love you..your daughterinlaw Cathy."
"Rest in peace Tony."
"Dear Vince and family,
So sorry to hear of your dad's passing. It's hard to lose that love and support that has always been there, please hold your family close and Dad will always be there with you."
"We'll miss you dad. You were a great father. "
"Ever the gentleman, Tony was always positive in his advice to me when I was a little fellow. I was very envious of his musical ability. He will be sorely missed. Sincere condolences from the Hatty family to the DeLuca and Seta families. May his Soul rest in peace. "
"Tony, you was my everything."