Nicholas DeLuca

It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our beloved father Nicholas DeLuca on February 2, 2025 at the age of 84. He passed away peacefully in his home in Ellicott City, Maryland surrounded by his family. Prior to recently moving to Maryland to be near his daughter, Nick and Eileen lived in Stony Point, NY from 1971-2023. Nicholas was born in Brooklyn, NY on February 27th 1940, where he lived until moving to Stony Point in 1971. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1958 and went to work at Mays Department Store as a programmer. He married the “love of his life” Eileen Galanuagh in 1959 and together raised three children, they were married nearly 66 years at the time of his passing. 

Nicholas joined the Army National Guard in 1959 and was honorably discharged after serving nearly seven years. In 1964 he joined the Fire Department of the City of NY. Being a part of FDNY “Bravest” was, as he always said, “The best job on earth”. It was there that he met lifelong friends, was awarded numerous commendations and served the communities of Brooklyn and Bronx, NY. He served as a fireman in Engine 248 in Brooklyn from 1964-1976. He was then promoted to Lieutenant and served in Ladder 44 on Morris Ave in Bronx, NY from 1976-1987. While at Ladder 44, he was promoted to Captain and bounced in the 9th and 7th Division until he retired with the rank of Captain in 1990. He was described by his Morris Avenue community as being a man who kept his calm and was always eager to share his knowledge with his brothers. When living in Stony Point, Nicholas was encouraged by a friend and fellow firefighter, Thomas Ladka, to become a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 2079 in Monroe, NY. 

He became a third degree member serving the Monroe community, forwarding the mission of the Knights of Columbus and making lifelong friends. Nick loved fishing, traveling, cooking for family and friends and looked forward to the annual family vacation to Lake George, NY. He is survived by his spouse Eileen (Galanaugh) DeLuca of Ellicott City, Maryland. His three children, Martin DeLuca and his wife Sarah of Wisconsin Rapids, WI, Christine Russell and her husband Stephen of Ellicott City, Maryland, and Laura McGuire and her husband Timothy of New Windsor, NY. He is also survived by six grandchildren, Nicholas (Megan) DeLuca, Carl DeLuca, Danielle (Bradley) Rockstroh, Julia (Mateo) McGuire, Olivia (Kei) Kullberg and Madeline (Brendan) McGuire. Nicholas was so excited to have been able to welcome two great grandchildren before his passing. Lennon Kathleen Rockstroh born 6/29/2023 and Graham Arthur Kullberg born 8/23/24. He was predeceased by his parents Martin James DeLuca and Nettie (Bilboa) DeLuca and one sister Grace (DeLuca) Reyes.

He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and many friends. He will forever be remembered with a chewed cigar hanging on the side of his mouth, dancing the macarena and saying “I love you more” in response to every “I love you”. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider at donation in his honor to: Answer the Call -New York Police and Fire Widows and Children’s Benefit Fund @ answerthecall.org Knights of Columbus @ www.kofc.org

Memorial Service will be held on Monday, February 17, 2025 at T.J. McGowan Sons Funeral Home in Garnerville, NY from 4:00pm-8:00pm. A Memorial Mass will be held on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, 11am at Immaculate Conception Church, Stony Point, NY.