Walter "Wally" Joseph Delecki

Walter Joseph Delecki, 78, passed peacefully with his family by his side on January 20, 2025. He was a beloved son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, friend, teacher and mentor.

He was born December 15, 1946, raised in Flint, MI, and came to ASU in 1974 to complete a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership.  Wally became the Assistant Superintendent at Yuma Elementary in 1975, and met and married Nancy, his wife of 47 years, in Yuma. They moved to Gilbert in 1978 where he held the position of Assistant Superintendent before becoming Superintendent in 1981.  He served Gilbert Public Schools and the Gilbert community for 20 years, retiring in 2001.  GPS grew from 2,000 students to 32,000 students during his tenure, and the district built 29 schools in those 20 years.  “Dr. D” moved into a second esteemed career with Northern Arizona University. He loved teaching and mentored hundreds of administrators and leaders in public schools, community colleges, and public safety departments for the next 22 years.  He retired as Professor Emeritus in 2023.

In addition, he served the Gilbert community as a member of the Board of Directors of the Otto and Edna Neely Foundation and the Advisory Board for HD South Gilbert Historical Museum.

Wally is survived by his sister, Jacki Delecki (Howard Uman); his wife, Nancy; three sons, Jacob (Sarah), Alex (Stephanie), and Abram.  His most treasured title was Papa to his wonderful grandchildren, Eli, Sam, Claire, and Noah.  He is also survived by beloved nieces and nephews, cousins, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, and dear friends Grace and Karina Sanchez.  He was proceeded in death by his father and mother, Walt and Laura Delecki; brother, Gerry; and sister-in-law, Eileen Delecki; in-laws, John and Lucille Smith; lifetime bestie, Beth Hepner; and seven Old English Sheepdogs.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, February 14, 2025 at 10 a.m. at St. Anne’s Roman Catholic Parish, 440 E. Elliot Rd, Gilbert. Services will be live-streamed at stanneaz.org. Additional parking will be available at the LDS church on Elliott and Lindsey Roads.

A community Celebration of Life will be held in the auditorium of Gilbert High School, 1101 E Elliot Rd, Gilbert, on Tuesday, February 18 at 5:30 to 7 pm. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in his memory to where he received great support as he valiantly fought Parkinson’s Disease, Rock Steady Boxing in Mesa at https://rocksteadymesa.com, or the HD South at https://hdsouth.org/donate.