JOHN T CARUCCI

John T. Carucci passed away, surrounded by his family, on April 11, 2023 at the age of 88.  He was born on August 21, 1934 to the late Peter J. and Elizabeth (Fidance) Carucci.

As a youth, John attended Lore Elementary School where his love of music led him to join the school band. He later went on to attend Wilmington High School where his musical talents flourished. During that time, John became a member of Ferdinand DiFurio’s band “ The Melody Kings” in which he played both saxophone and clarinet. The band played various high school dances, local events throughout the state, and repeatedly performed at officer functions at Dover Air Force base. Having been selected as one of the top ten teenage bands in the area, they were asked to compete in Philadelphia’s “Rhythm Rodeo”, a televised event held on December 5, 1952, hosted by Paul Whiteman of WFIL TV’s “Teen Club”.

Following graduation from high school in June 1952, John joined Carpenters Union Local No. 626 and began his apprenticeship as a carpenter. While working full-time to hone his skills, John remained an active member of the Melody Kings until his enlistment in the National Guard in 1956.  Upon joining the National Guard, John became a proud member of the 287th U.S. Army Band where he once again played both saxophone and clarinet. 

John loved his time with the Delaware National Guard and proudly served as a Guardsman and member of the 287th U.S. Army Band for a period of 6 years while simultaneously working full time in the construction business.

John’s love of music continued throughout his life. In addition to the saxophone and clarinet, John taught himself to play the banjo and, in later years, tried his hand at acoustic guitar. His love of music spanned multiple genres from the Grand Ole Opry to Classical Opera.

John had many interests. In his youth, he enjoyed spending time with one of his favorite uncles, Anthony “Chalky” Fidance, who taught him to hunt and fish. He also loved summers deep-sea fishing off of the Wildwood, New Jersey coast with his father Peter and brother Joe.

While attending a dance at the National Guard Armory in Wilmington, Delaware, John met the love of his life, RoseAnn Sarro. Within six months they were engaged, followed by their marriage 6 months later. Throughout his marriage, John enjoyed travelling the country with his wife RoseAnn in their quest to visit every state.

John was a master carpenter. He built his family home and created numerous family heirlooms. One heirloom of special sentiment to the family is a rocking cradle that has been used by each of his four grandchildren and which will be passed down for use by future generations.

John loved projects and was always a source of information and help when it came to home improvements. He enjoyed working on school projects with his children and even more so with his grandchildren. He taught himself to sew and loved to cook and bake. His pasta sauce and garlic bread were such family favorites that his granddaughter brought some in for her second grade class to taste during “Show and Tell”.

Like his late wife, John was a longtime member of St. Anthony of Padua parish. He was a former president of St. Anthony’s Grade School PTA and regularly volunteered his time, alongside his wife, during the early days of the Italian Festival at the original PTA Seafood Café. He also volunteered his time and skills in the construction of Padua Academy.

John was a loving husband, father and grandfather and will be dearly missed. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 61 years, RoseAnn, his only son John Jr., and his brother Joseph.

John is survived by his daughter Carolyn Candeloro and her husband Anthony; his daughter JoAnn DiOssi and her husband Michael Sr.; grandchildren Deanna Candeloro and her partner Lee Banks, Michael DiOssi, Jr. and his fiancée Jill Schnatterer, Nicholas DiOssi, John “Max” DiOssi and girlfriend Sarah Hessler; as well as his sister Julia deJuliis, brother Robert Carucci (Teresa), sister-in-law Barbara Carucci and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, April 16, 2023 from 6:00-8:00 pm at Mealey Funeral home, 2509 Limestone Road, Wilmington, Delaware. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations may be made to St. Anthony of Padua Grade School, 1715 W. 9th Street, Wilmington, Delaware 19805 or the American Heart Association at donatenow.heart.org.

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