Albert J. "Duke" DeLuca

Albert Joseph "Duke" DeLuca, 86, of Milton, MA, passed away peacefully on June 23, 2024. Born in Brockton, MA, on February 7, 1938, Duke was raised in the town of Stoughton, the beloved son of Albert and Anne (Carrara) DeLuca. He leaves behind his adored sister, Mary (DeLuca) Baumann and her late husband, John.

He married his Stoughton High School sweetheart, Barbara "Babs" (Altonen) DeLuca. She both “stalked” him and did his homework until he could no longer resist and they enjoyed 65 years of a very loving marriage. Duke will be deeply missed by his wife and his children: Jay DeLuca (Karen), Janice Bridgeman (Frank), David DeLuca (Kathy), Diane Gabianelli, Michael DeLuca (Sabah), as Pa Duke by his fourteen grandchildren and two great grandchildren, as well as his nieces, nephews, and many friends.

Duke’s early years were spent slinging burgers for the locals and hanging out with his buddies at his father’s beloved corner store, Stoughton Variety. He was a four-sports-letter man at Stoughton High and was later inducted into its Athletic Hall of Fame for his accomplishments on the Gridiron. He then earned his bachelor’s degree at Boston College, where he studied Mathematics and continued his football and baseball careers.

A U.S. Marine Corps Major pilot, Duke served his country with honor. Pa Duke enjoyed regaling his grandchildren with stories of his life and particularly his military escapades, which always made him the most interesting man in the room. 

Following his military service, he pursued a successful career as a financial advisor. He finally hung up his shingle at the age of 83 but could still tell you how the market was doing whenever asked. He worked hard and provided every opportunity for his family; for which we are grateful.

When not with his family, Duke could be found pursuing his passion for golf on the Wollaston Golf Club course. Year over year, he looked forward to playing member/guest tournaments with his sons and the Club Championship with good friends. He served as the Membership Committee Chair and was bestowed upon an Honorary Lifetime Membership.

Duke lived a big and noble life and now rests in peace. His spirit lives on in the hearts of those who knew and will always love him.

In honor of Duke’s memory and legacy, relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend visiting hours on Friday morning from 9 AM to 10:30 AM at Farley Funeral Home, 358 Park Street, Stoughton, followed by a funeral Mass at 11:30 AM at St. Agatha’s Church, 432 Adams Street, Milton, and the burial for Duke at the Milton Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Duke’s honor may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at 225 N. Michigan Avenue, Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601 or alz.org

Here is a link of Duke's funeral Mass  https://vimeo.com/969244284