In Loving Memory of Pete C. Deluca

Pete C. Deluca, aged 95, passed away peacefully at Mt. San Rafael
Hospital on Wednesday, February 5, 2025. He was born to Pete and Mary
(Niccoli) Deluca on April 24,1929 in the mining town of Delagua, CO.
On July 9,1955, Pete was joined in marriage to Antoinette Ruscetti who
preceded him in death in 2007. During their 52 years of marriage they
raised their four children: Mick, Cheri, Patty and Peter. Pete greatly loved
his eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
His family moved to nearby Trinidad when Pete was in 2nd grade,
graduating from Trinidad High in 1947. He earned his Associate Degree
from TJC in 1949, a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Denver in 1951
and his Master of Arts in Cultural Relations from Adams State College in
1968.
Pete had a short stint in the Air Force before returning to Trinidad where he
went to work for KCRT radio station for 12 years. He began his long and
memorable career with Trinidad State in 1964. During his tenure he held
multiple positions including Activities Director, Admissions Counselor,
Athletic Director, Director of Admissions, Dean Of Student Services and
Vice President of Student Services. He served as Director of the TSJC
Educational Foundation Development Fund Drive and ultimately was
named Vice President for Institutional Development at TSJC and continued
with the TSJC Foundation until his retirement in 2004.
He served on numerous civic and educational boards and committees
including Colorado Sports Hall of Fame, Trinidad Historical Society,
Trinidad/Las Animas County Chamber of Commerce, Colorado Council on
High School Relations and was instrumental in establishing English
Language Services for International Students at TSJC. He received
numerous awards and recognitions throughout his career.
Pete was an avid sports enthusiast and enjoyed watching virtually anything
played with a ball. He was a die-hard New York Yankees fan and kept a
special place in his heart for the TSC Trojan softball team who
affectionately called him “Grandpa Pete”.
He was preceded in death by his wife Antoinette, his parents, his father and
mother-in-law Pete and Angelina (DiGarbo) Ruscetti, son Peter Charles
Deluca and granddaughter Jennifer Mariano.
Pete is survived by his children Mick (Pamm) Deluca of Newbury Park, CA,
Cheri Deluca of Trinidad, CO, Patty (John) Crichton of Sugar Grove, IL and
Peter (Wendy) DeLuca currently residing in Seattle WA; his eight
grandchildren Vicki (Josh) Gordon, Staci (Wes) Snyder, Stephanie (Bryan)
Del Aguila, Scott (Hannah) Crichton, Tyler Crichton (Trevor Thome), Witt
(Clara) DeLuca, Marissa (Braden) DeWhite and Chris DeLuca. He is also
survived by six great-grandchildren: Grayson Gordon, Madeline Snyder,
Mason and Hailey Del Aguila, Hudson DeWhite and Carolina DeLuca.
Other relatives include brother-in-law James Bonato, sister-in-law Belinda
Christoffersen, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and beloved granddog
Missy.
Visitation will be held at Comi Funeral Home Chapel on Thursday, February
13 from 3:00 – 6:00 pm followed by a rosary at 6:00 pm. Eulogy and
remembrances will be at 9:45 am on Friday, February 14 at Holy Trinity
Catholic Church followed by a funeral mass at 10:00 am. Interment will
follow at the Trinidad Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial
contributions may be made to the Deluca Family Scholarship at the
Trinidad State College Educational Foundation, 600 Prospect Street,
Trinidad, Colorado 81082.