Posted: | October 14, 2022 02:31 PM |
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From: | Senator Jay Costa |
To: | All Senate members |
Subject: | Condolence Resolution - Representative Tony DeLuca |
Please join me in commemorating the life of Representative Tony DeLuca, who passed away on October 9, 2022 at the age of 85 after a brief, third battle with lymphoma. Representative DeLuca represented the 32nd Legislative District for 39 years, making him the senior member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives at the time of his passing. He was Democratic Chairman of the House Insurance Committee for more than 20 years, during which time he advocated passionately on behalf of patients and for professional accountability. He accomplished much during his tenure in the state House, including championing the Life Insurance Database Act which connects families with $5 million annually. He also played a key role in establishing the Pennsylvania Health Insurance Market Place and requirements for pharmacy technicians to register with the Department of State through Act 140 of 2020; he also worked tirelessly to increase access under the Children's Health Insurance Program. In addition, he was a vocal supporter of cancer awareness and early detection after he was first diagnosed with lymphoma and his beloved wife of 66 years, Connie, who preceded him in death, was diagnosed with breast cancer. The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Pennsylvania honored him with a Leadership Award for his work. Prior to DeLuca’s tenure in the House, he served five years as Penn Hills Councilman, followed by two years as Penn Hills Deputy Mayor. He was the son of Italian immigrant parents and a proud Italian American, having co-founded the Pennsylvania Legislative American-Italian Caucus. He was father of four children, nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He will be remembered for many things, but mostly for being a true public servant to those he served in Allegheny County and for being a great friend and mentor to many in and around the State Capitol. Please join me in honoring his life and legacy with this condolence resolution. |
Introduced as SR371