Tony DeLapa Obituary
Tony DeLapa, 64, of St. Joseph, Michigan, passed away Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at his home after a long illness.
Friends may visit with the family Friday, November 1, from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at Starks & Menchinger Chapel and Cremation Services, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Celebration of life will be Saturday, November 2, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. at First Church of God, 2627 Niles Ave., St. Joseph. Memorials may be made to St. Joseph Public Schools Foundation, St. Joseph Baseball Softball Association or MMRF, Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation. If you would like to leave a message you may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.
Tony was born December 28, 1959, in Grand Rapids, to Judith (McCormick) and James DeLapa. Tony attended Coloma schools and graduated from Deerfield Academy, prior to receiving his degree in Turf Management from Michigan State University. He worked as an entrepreneur and owner of several businesses throughout his career.
Tony met the love of his life, Linda, in the summer of 1979. They have been together ever since and enjoyed 41 years of marriage. Together they built a life and family in Saint Joseph, Michigan. Tony’s love language was food and he shared it well through the perfect pizza, meatballs at Christmas time or a special meal for family and friends. He was happiest when his family joined him in the kitchen, the true center of their home. He loved the challenge of creating a perfect lawn or athletic field. Golf was always a passion, whether it be the course or the game. He shared his love of music with his family, friends and the local community through his store, Music Matters and the promotion of many live concerts.
Papa’s greatest joy was spending time with his grandchildren. Whether it be frequent sleepovers with a funny bedtime video, gardening together, tractor rides, annual trips to the fair or watching them in the activities they love, he treasured every minute with each of them.
He was a thoughtful friend and neighbor; from anonymously plowing driveways to witty late night texts with a punchline that couldn’t wait until morning. For years Tony dedicated thousands of hours volunteering locally to improve the quality of our parks and sports fields–and he loved that. Generosity was a defining value of his, even in sickness. Tony braved multiple clinical trials and was proud to have his findings help others.
Tony is survived by his wife, Linda (Russell) DeLapa; son, Justin (Jenny) DeLapa of St. Joseph; daughter, Sarah (Matt) Brunelle of St. Joseph; and son, Dylan (Gloria) DeLapa of Grand Rapids; grandchildren, Leo, Max, Maddie, Josie and Zach; parents Judith and James DeLapa of Coloma; brothers, James (Kim) DeLapa II of San Diego, CA and John DeLapa of Benton Harbor; and sister, Gina DeLapa of San Diego, CA.
He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
