Harlingen, TX:
Louis Joseph DeLellis, 83, passed away Monday, October 10, 2011 in Harlingen, Texas. Louis was born in Phoenix, Arizona to Richard DeLellis and Teressa Bonicilli DeLellis.
He was owner of a seafood company. Louis was a member of the Optimist Club from 1957 to 1959, where he received the Fund Raising Award in 1958, he was Cubmaster of Pack 132 from 1960 to 1964, where he tapped out for Order of the Arrow and was chairman of Camping and Activities BSA in 1964. Louis was a Bronco League Coach from 1963 to 1970 and served as president of the League for 4 years, a Harlingen City Commissioner for 2 terms from 1982 to 1986, Mayor Pro-Tem in 1986 and received the Appreciation Award HISSO 1982 – 1983 and a Harlingen Water Works Board Trustee, where he served as Chairman for 5 years and the Board Finance Chairman. He was chairman of the Cameron County Advisory Committee on Border Law Enforcement in 1989, chairman of the Cameron County Emergency Service District #1 from 1987 to 1991, a board member Emeritus of STEC and served as president and director of the board. Louis was a member of the Wesley United Methodist Church since 1955, where he served as Chairman of Church Board for 5 years from 1981 to 1991, the Chairman of Finance Committee, Pastor Parish Committee, an Usher for the past 22 years, Lay Person of the Year in 1991, member of the Building and Grounds Committee for the district, Chairman from 1988 to 1999 and Past President of the Methodist Men.
The Louis J. DeLellis Field at Tom Wilson Sports Complex in Harlingen, Texas was named after him. He enjoyed spending time with his family, fishing and sports.
Louis is survived by his sons, Louis Joseph DeLellis II, John DeLellis and his wife Tina and Richard DeLellis and his wife Melissa; grandchildren, Cristi Klostermann and husband Matt, John DeLellis II and wife Lauren, and Ian DeLellis; three great grandchildren; and sister-in-law, Pat Cockrill and husband, Gene.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Katherine Jane DeLellis; brother, Al DeLellis; mother, Teressa DeLellis and father, Richard DeLellis.
Visitation will be held at Buck Ashcraft Funeral Home from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, October 11, 2011.
Graveside services only will be held at Mont Meta Memorial Park, 4:00 P.M., Wednesday, October 12, 2011 with Rev. Carolyn McGuire officiating.
The family wants to give a special thanks to Calvin Metcalf and to close friends too numerous to mention, he loved you all.
In lieu of flowers memorial contribution may be made to Wesley United Methodist Church, 1406 E. Austin, Harlingen, TX 78550 or charity of choice.