The wake for retired Deacon Kenneth A. DeLuca will begin with vespers at 3 p.m. June 1 in St. Julie Billiart Church, 5500 Lear Nagle Road, North Ridgeville. Bishop Martin Amos, retired bishop of Davenport, Iowa, will preside. Deacon Steve Yates will be the homilist.
Auxiliary Bishop Michael Woost will celebrate Deacon DeLuca’s funeral Mass at 11 a.m. June 2 in St. Julie Billiart Church. The homilist will be Father Dan Schlegel, pastor of St. Raphael Parish.
Deacon DeLuca, 79, died on May 23.
Survivors include his wife Jan (Bahr) DeLuca, children and grandchildren.
He was ordained to the permanent diaconate for service to the Diocese of Cleveland on May 22, 2004 by Bishop Anthony Pilla in the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist.
After ordination, Deacon DeLuca was assigned to serve at St. Julie Billiart Parish, where he ministered until his retirement on Oct. 1, 2019.
Those who knew him said he dedicated his life to helping others through his diaconal ministry and professional counseling services. They said he worked hard to bring the healing presence of Christ to all he encountered. In addition, they said he will be remembered for his kind disposition, gripping handshake and gentle presence.
Interment will be at St. Joseph Cemetery in Avon.