On Tuesday, April 5th, 2016, Bernardo “Bernie” DeLellis of Shunk passed away quietly at Robert Packer Hospital following a lengthy illness. He was 78 years of age. Born May 2nd, 1937 in Pastena, Italy (near Rome), he was the son of Pietro and Catherina (Persicone) DeLellis. Bernie emigrated to the United States in 1953 and proudly became a U.S. citizen. He served his newly adopted country in the U. S. Army from 1956 to 1960.
For 35 years he was employed as a mechanic for the Scott Foam Rubber Co., retiring in 1998. Prior places of employment include Buono Brothers Bakery, Penn Steel and the Quality Market in Chester, Pa. For most of his life in America Bernie resided in Delaware County, just outside of Philadelphia, until 2000 when he moved to Sullivan County. He was a member of the Endless Winds Fire Co. in Shunk, serving as Fire Police Lieutenant, The Wheel Inn Club, Canton Lodge 429 Loyal Order of Moose. He also held memberships in the VFW and the Sons of Italy in Delaware County. He was an accomplished wine maker and cook, and his skills at pig roasting were well known throughout the area.
For 35 years he was employed as a mechanic for the Scott Foam Rubber Co., retiring in 1998. Prior places of employment include Buono Brothers Bakery, Penn Steel and the Quality Market in Chester, Pa. For most of his life in America Bernie resided in Delaware County, just outside of Philadelphia, until 2000 when he moved to Sullivan County. He was a member of the Endless Winds Fire Co. in Shunk, serving as Fire Police Lieutenant, The Wheel Inn Club, Canton Lodge 429 Loyal Order of Moose. He also held memberships in the VFW and the Sons of Italy in Delaware County. He was an accomplished wine maker and cook, and his skills at pig roasting were well known throughout the area.
He was also an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing. Bernie was a man with a firm belief in the Lord and participated in the Christian fellowship at Shunk United Methodist Church. Bernie enjoyed the company of family and friends, sharing a meal in the Italian tradition. His hospitality knew no bounds, and his home was always open. He was a devoted and loving husband and father, and a true and loyal friend to many.
Surviving is his wife, the former Rhoda Norton, at home, sons Bernie DeLellis, Jr. (& Andrea) of Cochranville PA and Lt. Col. Eric DeLellis, USA Reserve (& Teri) of Aston, PA stepchildren Cherish (& William) Holland of New Albany and William Westbrook of Maine, ten grandchildren and two sisters. He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters.
The funeral service was held April 8 at Shunk United Methodist Church. Services followed at noon with Pastor Jerry Schmidt officiating. Interment was in Ellenton Cemetery.
Memorial contributions in Bernie’s name may be directed to the American Cancer Society or Disabled American Veterans. Cards of condolence may be sent to Morse & Kleese Funeral Home, 94 N. Center St., Canton, 17724, or by e-mail to morseandkleesefuneralhome.com.
Surviving is his wife, the former Rhoda Norton, at home, sons Bernie DeLellis, Jr. (& Andrea) of Cochranville PA and Lt. Col. Eric DeLellis, USA Reserve (& Teri) of Aston, PA stepchildren Cherish (& William) Holland of New Albany and William Westbrook of Maine, ten grandchildren and two sisters. He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters.
The funeral service was held April 8 at Shunk United Methodist Church. Services followed at noon with Pastor Jerry Schmidt officiating. Interment was in Ellenton Cemetery.
Memorial contributions in Bernie’s name may be directed to the American Cancer Society or Disabled American Veterans. Cards of condolence may be sent to Morse & Kleese Funeral Home, 94 N. Center St., Canton, 17724, or by e-mail to morseandkleesefuneralhome.com.
