Obituary of James J. DeLano

James J. DeLano, 79 of Westbrook ,formerly of Deep River and Melbourne Beach, FL died on Friday, August 5, 2011 at Yale New Haven Hospital with his wife, children, and grandchildren at his bedside. He was a courageous man in both life and death. Jim leaves his loving wife and best friend of 58 years, Violet (Nocera) DeLano. He is survived by his three children: Donna Hotkowski and her husband Paul of Westbrook; Sheri Stalsburg and her husband Robert of Old Saybrook; and Jimmy DeLano Jr. and his partner Laurie Fresher of Deep River. He was pre-deceased by parents, Claude and Agnes (Cox) DeLano, and brothers, Larry and Ronnie; he is survived by his brothers, Arthur and Donald, and sisters, Nancy Wood and Claudette Rakotz all of New Boston, Michigan. Jim was always surrounded by his beloved grandchildren, Brittany, Eric and Kelly Stalsburg of Old Saybrook; Nick and Katie Hotkowski of Westbrook; and Aulden DeLano of Deep River. Jim was a veteran of the Korean War and served faithfully in the US Navy for over ten years as a Deep Sea Diver, Demolitions Man, and Quartermaster on submarines and battleships. An avid golfer, he was a long-time member and mentor at the Clinton Country Club, and a passionate gardener who loved sharing his world-class cucumbers with his family. Jim was a well-rounded and respected businessman with a zeal for life and love of his family. There was nothing that he could not fix or mend and always found a way to help, love and provide. He will be forever loved and missed. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, August 10, 2011 at 10am at St. Joseph’s Church, 48 Middlesex Turnpike, Chester, with interment to follow with full military honors at St. Joseph’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory can be made to American Diabetes Association,2080 Silas Dean Hywy, Rocky Hill, CT 06067. Arrangements by Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home, Centerbrook.