NORTH UTICA- Edward Joseph DeLuccie, World War II veteran and proud member of The Greatest Generation, passed away at the age of 89, in Waterville, NY at the Harding Nursing Home. A beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, Edward was born on August 5, 1924, in Scranton, Pennsylvania, to the late Leo and Martha Podgurski DeLuccie. He attended South Scranton High School. Edward served in the United States Army Air Corps, during the World War II with the 100 Bomb Group, 418 Squadron. He attained the rank of Staff Sergeant, flying 35 combat missions as tail gunner on The Return Ticket' B-17. On May 19, 1945 he was married to Verna Albrecht. During his time in Utica, Edward was employed at Griffiss Air Force Base in Rome, Utica Drop Forge and Tool Company and as a self-employed salesman and a salesman for various companies. His successful career as salesman earned him numerous top awards for recognition of personal sales as well as sales production. Mr. DeLuccie was a member of St Peter's church, the 100th Bomb Group Foundation, and the American Legion. Edward DeLuccie is survived by his wife of 68 years, Verna DeLuccie of Utica; two sons, Edward R. DeLuccie of New Hartford, N.Y. and Frederick and Sandra DeLuccie of Camden, N.Y.; one daughter and son-in-law, Sharon and Dennis Pogar of Titusville, Florida, as well as seven grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. Arrangements are with the Heintz Funeral Home, 408 Herkimer Rd., North Utica. In keeping with family wishes there are no public calling hours. A private funeral will be held at the convenience of the family. Interment, with military honors, will be St. Peter's Cemetery in Utica. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Harding Nursing Home, Residents Council, 220 Tower St., Waterville, NY 13480. The family would like to express a special thank you to the Harding Nursing Home administrator and staff for their care, compassion and support.