New Castle - Edmondo Luciano "Ed" Deli, 100, formerly of 415 Uber St., passed away peacefully the afternoon of March 28,1926, in Jameson Place Assisted Living in New Castle, Pennsylvania.

Ed was born Jan. 7, 1926, in Marino, Italy, but grew up in Ciampino, Italy. He was the son of the late Vincenzo and Giulia DiGirolomi Deli.

He married the former Josephine Lamberti on Nov. 24, 1949. She survives in New Castle.

He served in the Italian Army before he and his brother, Patsy Deli, permanently ventured to America in June 1948. He was 22 years old when he arrived in New Castle, Pennsylvania, and only knew how to speak in Italian. Here, he learned the English language and studied the Constitution of The United States in night classes at New Castle High School in preparation of becoming a United States citizen.

Ed was naturally gifted with mechanical and engineering skills. At the age of 40, he started his own HVAC business, "Ed Deli Heating and Air Conditioning." He developed his business through honest hard work ethics and personal customer referrals. He skillfully turned sheet metal into custom, handmade ductwork for all of the residential homes and commercial business sites that he worked in.

He retired from furnace and air conditioner installations at the age of 65 but continued to service his customers up to the age of 85.

Edmondo was proud of his Italian heritage and traditions. Family was very important to him. He made several trips back to his childhood homestead in Italy to visit his sister and family.

He enjoyed gardening and working in his yard. He also enjoyed making wine, playing bocce and corn hole. He was an avid reader of books, newspapers, magazines and HVAC manuals. He loved watching the older movies and variety of sport shows. Soccer and basketball were his favorites. Others included EWTN, "America's Funniest Videos" and cooking shows.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a son, Vincent A. Deli Sr. (Sandy); and a daughter, Maria Deli McIltrot (Douglas); three grandsons, Vincent Deli Jr. (Ashley), Justin McIltrot and Collin McIltrot (Christina); five great-grandchildren, Avery Deli, Mariah McIltrot, Alivia Deli, Maralina McIltrot and Mario McIltrot.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Pasty Deli; and two sisters, Lidia DeIulis and Francesca Ciambotta.

He was a member of Holy Spirit Parish-St. Vitus Church. He knew and loved our God (Dio) and Lord, Jesus Christ (Gesu Cristo). He has earned his crown and resides with the communion of saints in the presence of God the Almighty!

His family is blessed to have had such an incredibly gentle patient man as a father, grandfather and great-grandfather. We will always be grateful for everything he has done for us, from sharing his life stories to his daily example of how to live a simple, healthy family life. We will always celebrate him for touching our lives and the lives of others with his steadfast love and gentle strength.

Our family extends our sincere gratitude and appreciation to the staff at Jameson Place for their genuine care and companionship that each of them daily shared during his stay.

A private viewing will be held at William & Roger DeCarbo Funeral Home, 926 Cunningham Ave. Rev. Aaron Kriss from Holy Spirit Parish will deliver the blessing service.

Online condolences may be received at www.williamrogerdecarbo.com.

Memorial contributions may be made to the United Way of Lawrence County, 223 N. Mercer St., New Castle, PA 16101. Phone:(724) 658-8528 www.uwlawcty.org.