April 20, 1950 – June 22, 2026
The family is heartbroken to share that Denis Anthony Paul De Luca passed away on June 22, 2026, at the age of 76. He left this world peacefully at home in Welland, surrounded by his loving family.
Denis was the oldest of three children born to Odone and Jean De Luca in Timmins, Ontario, where he grew up. He carried with him the strength, humor, and close-knit family ties from his hometown throughout his life. The family later moved to North Bay, where Denis continued to grow his career and made new friends that lasted a lifetime. In his later years, Denis and his wife Anna made their home in Welland to be nearer to family and enjoy a new adventure with their grandchildren.
He will be greatly missed by his devoted wife, Anna Lisa (née Limarilli); his beloved daughter, Melissa Vaidya, along with her husband Jay; and his adored grandchildren, August and Ella Vaidya, who affectionately called him Nonno. Denis was predeceased by his dear son Paul-a loss that remained one of the deepest sorrows of his life.
He is survived by his sister Claire Verdu (Mike) from Timmins; brother Jim De Luca from Kelowna, British Columbia; and sister-in-law Lori Limarilli from Ottawa (who was predeceased by Joey). Denis took great pride in being an uncle and Zio to Steven De Luca (Nari), Brian De Luca (Sandra), Marcus Verdu (Lindsay), David Verdu (Lauren), Mathew Limarilli (Branda), and Renee Penning (Garret). He will also be fondly remembered by special cousins Anna and Bill Peterman from Baie-D’Urfé, Quebec.
Denis graduated with honors from Northern College in 1973 with a diploma in Mechanical Technology. As an Engineering Technologist, he built an impressive career throughout Northern Ontario before retiring from Stantec Engineering in North Bay in 2013. Over the years he worked on major engineering projects for companies all around the globe. One of his proudest achievements was running his own successful design and consulting firm-De Luca Technical Services-for over 25 years. He was also an active member of the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists.
From a young age, Denis had a love for anything with an engine. To him, cars were more than just transportation-they were a source of pride and joy.
A true car lover at heart, Denis owned many classic cars and motorcycles throughout his life. He attended countless car shows across North America and fulfilled a lifelong dream when he built a replica of a 1965 Shelby Cobra. As a member of the Historical Automobile Society of Canada, he even contributed articles to The Canadian Klaxon sharing stories from Nipissing Region’s automotive history. His passion for cars helped him forge lasting friendships with fellow “car guys” in North Bay, Welland, Ridgeway, and Florida. Just days before he passed away, he fulfilled one last wish by taking one final ride in his beloved 1973 Corvette thanks to good friend Richard Perron.
Hockey was another passion for Denis. A devoted Toronto Maple Leafs fan-his endless optimism showed through every season’s hope for victory-and he played hockey for most of his life-from peewee leagues all the way through Old Timers League-passing down that love for hockey to both son Paul and grandson August.
Denis shared an incredible marriage with Anna based on love friendship as they navigated life together through its ups and downs. They cherished their winter getaway in Dunedin Florida where they enjoyed walks on the beach sunsets day trips filled with laughter alongside friends neighbors alike. Together they traveled extensively including an unforgettable journey aboard Rocky Mountaineer shortly after Denis received news about ALS diagnosis. After settling down in Welland , they found immense joy exploring Niagara Region together visiting wineries watching ships pass through Welland Canal attending numerous car shows along side family members.
To Melissa Paul , Denis was simply “the best dad.” His children always came first whether it meant taking them hockey practices dance classes or just being there whenever needed -he could always be counted upon. He proudly celebrated each accomplishment achieved while offering support whether something required fixing or knowledge gained would come straight out garage full tools ready assist any task faced ahead.
As Nonno , he experienced greatest happiness during time spent August Ella. Before illness struck often took August Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum showing off fascination aviation encyclopedic knowledge Lancaster Bomber Avro Arrow nurtured interest history visits museums reenactments across region. Ella enjoyed sitting beside Nonno happily riding lap wheelchair during outings
If wealth measures friendships then truly wealthy man Deniss’60-year bond formed within Timmins High Grade13 gang served source laughter unwavering support many unforgettable funny moments mutual admiration. Known as Dino friends possessed rare gift attracting people nurturing relationships lasting decades demonstrating consistency love without conditions while bringing warmth humor wherever went leaving indelible impression fortunate enough know him.
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Dennis faced ALS bravely displaying extraordinary courage resilience meeting disease unyieldingly maintaining essential qualities defined such as humor generosity steadfastness sense community despite challenges brought forth illness taking toll physical abilities never diminished character integrity shaped bonds forged lifetime experiences shared amongst those loved dearly.
The family sends heartfelt thanks Mc Master ALS Clinic Dr. Matthew Gladman Barb Miller ; Melissa Van Tyul ALS Society Canada Ontario Health Home case manager Kelly Karner respiratory therapists Julie Renata ; occupational therapist Kevin Langelaan Palliative Care team Anna Campbell Johanna Ruesen Deborah Warring personal support workers Edwin Jeanette David Bianca Sam Liz Patrick Sean Solomen Amal Terry Evans Olah cared deeply showing compassion dignity kindness easing transition into final days allowing comfort remain among familiar surroundings until end arrived
Family expresses appreciation Mary Snow comare dear friend unwavering strength companionship journey through sickness meant much words could convey her presence provided constant encouragement until last breath taken place Dennis leaves behind legacy filled love resilience humor humility remembered every time someone tunes into game hoping victories red corvette revving engines stories shared memories created lived lives touched everyone crossed paths In honor Dennis contributions we welcome donations ALS Society Canada Details Celebration Life forthcoming arrangements finalized online condolences may shared tribute page Essentials Niagara. comSource link
