Obituary of Louis DeLitizia

Louis “Buddy” DeLitizia, a dedicated friend, brother, uncle, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and godfather, passed away peacefully at the age of 91.

Growing up in Jersey City, NJ, Buddy graduated from Henry Snyder High School in 1952. As one of the few applicants with a diploma, he secured a machinist position at the American Can Company. He worked relentlessly to support his then-wife, Beverly, and their four children: Sharon, Louis Jr., Laura, and Thomas. The family eventually settled in Fairfield, NJ.

Buddy accepted life's challenges, often acknowledging, "it’s just a different part of life."  With an easygoing spirit, he cherished life's simple joys: gardening, bargain hunting, researching health, traveling with his long-time partner Betty, and his passion for racing homing pigeons with the Wayne Pigeon Flyers as a “top-flyer” securing numerous trophies.

He regularly visited his sister Gloria and her late husband John, attended church, and stayed active volunteering at the recycling center, riding his bicycle, and taking daily neighborhood walks in Toms River before moving to Morris Plains, NJ to be closer to his family.

A visit to Buddy’s home never ended with empty hands. He had a generous spirit, often insisting, "if you see anything you want, take it," or better yet, "does this mean anything to you?" This simple practice of gratitude was his way of saying thank you for visiting, and it is how he continues to live on in our family homes. His simple practices, along with a lifelong supply of vitamins, may have contributed to his impressive longevity.

Louis DeLitizia was preceded in death by his first-born son, Louis “Buddio” DeLitizia Jr.; his beloved partner, Betty Mulligan; his brother, John DeLitizia; his brother-in-law, John Butkowski; and his sisters-in-law, Elayna and Sadie DeLitizia.

Buddy’s memory lives on in the hearts of his sister Gloria Butkowski and brothers Alfred and Michael DeLitizia; his surviving children, Sharon Perry, Laura Ober, and Thomas DeLitizia; grandchildren Christopher, Lee, Brianne, Tiffiny, Patrick, Edward, Emily, Matthew, Alexander, and Samantha; and great-grandchildren Ella, Norah, Wyatt, Cooper, Pierce, Damian, Fisher, Sophie, Reese, Ashton, and Gemma.

As we hold Buddy in our thoughts and prayers, we remember his final, simple request to all of us: "Keep making your memories." 

Visitation for Buddy will be on Saturday, March 28, 2026 from 1:00pm-2:30pm, with a Prayer Service at 2:30pm, at Dangler Funeral Home, 600 Speedwell Avenue, Morris Plains.  

For those wishing to make a donation, please consider the St. Labre Indian School in Buddy's name.