Obituary of Alicia Maria DeLuna

Alicia Maria DeLuna passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with breast cancer on Friday, October 14, 2022 at St. Clare’s Hospital in Dover. She had shared 86 years of unconditional love, infectious laughter, and priceless memories with family and friends.

Born and raised in Bayamón, Puerto Rico to the late Manuel and Clotilda Lopez, she was one of nine children to bless their household. At the age of 15, Alicia moved to Manhattan, NY living with her older sister Anna. Alicia was a hard worker her entire life, starting in the Garment District in NYC. It was also in NYC that she met the love of her life and best friend, Albert DeLuna. The happy couple married in January of 1956 and settled into the Bronx, NY to begin a family of their own. Albert was transferred to Newark, NJ and it wasn’t too long before they found their forever home in Parsippany, NJ. Alicia’s new job, was to be a mom to five children, which she thrived at. She was an extraordinary woman with a home that was welcome to all. Once her children were old enough, she went back to work as a Chef. She specialized in Italian, Puerto Rican and Spanish cuisine. Alicia had worked at many facilities throughout Passaic and Morris County including the Holiday Inn in Wayne and the Bethwood Manor in Totowa. After many years of service, she officially retired at the age of 60. This allowed her and Albert to enjoy their time together travelling throughout the United States and internationally. Alicia loved music and could often be found dancing with Albert and the grandchildren. She had a special place in her heart for 50’s and 60’s rock and roll such as Elvis.

They loved to go to the casinos such as Las Vegas or Atlantic City, etc. and Alicia was extremely lucky. If there was a special drawing or prize, Alicia would often win. She was truly an extraordinary wife, mother, grandmother, sister, friend, and woman. She was always kind and welcoming to everyone she met. It was hard not to love her immediately. Above all else, her family was her pride and joy. Our Matriarch will be forever missed and treasured in our hearts. Although we are deeply saddened by her passing, we take comfort in knowing she is now reunited with her beloved husband, Albert, her parents, and her siblings, Maria, Elsie, Charlie, Joe, Angelo, Anna, and Louie.

Her legacy will continue to live on through her adored children, Nicholas (Barbara) DeLuna, Albert (Cindy) DeLuna, Robert DeLuna, Patricia (William) Simmons and Theresa (Nicholas) Scheuble; her cherished grandchildren Alicia and Christina DeLuna, William, Daniel, and Christopher Simmons, Natasha, Leonieke and Max Scheuble, Eric Hougue and Ivy Miller; her treasured great-granddaughter, Arya Hougue; her caring brother, Manuel “Manny” (Carmine) Lopez; and many more dear extended family and friends.

Public visitation will be held on Saturday, October 22nd from 4 - 7 pm at Norman Dean Home for Services, 16 Righter Avenue, Denville. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, October 24th at 10 am at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, 15 Myers Avenue, Denville. Burial will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 225 Ridgedale Avenue, East Hanover. Memorial Donations are being accepted in Alicia's memory to the American Cancer Society by way of www.inmemof.org to ensure receipt of your donation. Please leave a condolence, light a candle, and share your favorite memory of Alicia here to continue to let her light shine on.