Jerry Delettera

Jerry DeLettera, age 65, of Cave Junction, died after a long illness on Wednesday, September 19, 2012 at his home.

A viewing will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Wednesday, September 26, 2012 at Illinois Valley Funeral Directors, 26569 Redwood Highway, Cave Junction, Oregon.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, September 27, 2012 at Illinois Valley Funeral Directors with Chaplain Mike of Lovejoy Hospice officiating. Military Funeral Honors and Interment will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Eagle Point National Cemetery.

Remembrances may be made at Lovejoy Hospice, 939 SE 8th Street, Grants Pass, Oregon 97526.

Jerry was born Gennaro DeLettera November 26, 1946 in Brooklyn, New York to Gennaro Carmine DeLettera & Gladys DeLettera. He graduated from Connetquot High School in Bohemia, Long Island, New York and while in high school played bass guitar in “The Blue Angels” rock band. He enlisted in the United States Navy, then transferred to the Air Force and continued his service in the Air Force Reserves where he proudly served his country in Vietnam at Phu Che and Nom Penh. During his military service he was an electrician and after his honorable discharge moved to Seattle, Washington where he worked for Seattle City Light. He became a master electrician and operated his own business while living in New Mexico. After moving to Palmdale, California he worked for the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works as an electrician until his retirement in 2001. In January 2002 he eloped to Las Vegas with Linda, the love of his life. In 2002 he retired to Cave Junction, Oregon.

Jerry was an avid fly fisherman; ham radio operator; a woodcarver and especially enjoyed dog carvings. He also enjoyed archery, RC model airplanes, and bicycling. At age 50 he bicycled the Seattle to Portland event with his son, Rob. Jerry loved his Dachshunds, especially his “Little Man, Dude,” “Bandit,” “Cricket,” and begrudgingly the cat, “Winston.”

In addition to his wife, Linda DeLettera of Cave Junction, Oregon; he is survived by a son, Rob DeLettera of Edmond, Washington; a daughter, Michelle DeLettera of Belvue, Kansas; his mother, Gladys DeLettera of Belen, New Mexico; a brother, Ray DeLettera of Belen, New Mexico; five grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his father, Gennaro DeLettera.