Thomas DeLuca, UM Forestry Dean Candidate, Passed Away Today

Thomas deLuca is an American soil biochemist and candidate for deanship of University of Montana Forestry. His passion lies with sustainability, which serves as the cornerstone of both his teaching and research at UM.

He has taught at the University of Missouri since 2004. His classes can be lengthy and uninspiring, with heavy lecture-based grading.

Early Life and Education

Thomas deLuca was born to parents in Bridgeport, Connecticut on March 8th 1948. He quickly won over his older sisters Kiki Copertino and Lorraine Caliendo who lavished him with love. Thomas deLuca grew up surrounded by an extended Italian family; these close ties would remain with him throughout his life.

Tom married Elizabeth Affannato when he graduated college. They had been inseparable since high school, dating throughout Villanova’s years until Tom moved back home after graduation and never parting ways since. Together they created their family: Dr. Michael Baldwin and Daniel Algilani as sons; Taryn DeLuca as daughter-in-law; Madeline and Samuel Baldwin, Sophia Cameron Algilani and Grayson DeLuca were their grandchildren.

At Bangor University in Wales, he currently teaches and conducts research in forest ecosystem sciences. Furthermore, he serves as both environmental theme leader of Pontio University Research Innovation program as well as chairperson of their forestry group.

Professional Career

Thomas DeLuca, better known to his family and friends as TJ, was born in New York City to Thomas & Marge DeLuca and belonged to an expansive close-knit Italian family that included aunts, uncles and cousins.

He joined Allegheny Ludlum in 1984, serving as key manager in both primary and finishing operations of ATI’s flat-rolled products group.

Thomas is one of the leaders of Cushman & Wakefield’s Industrial advisory practice and currently works primarily throughout Nassau and Suffolk County. Thomas brings a unique set of skills that includes advanced financial strategies, comprehensive market knowledge and deep commercial expertise; additionally he is an active member of Commercial Industrial Brokers Society (CIBS).

Achievement and Honors

Deluca’s four years as a Cornell defenseman saw him be honored with both team captainship and winning the Rick LaFrance Award – awarded annually to players who combine physical toughness with honor – while breaking numerous Cornell and Ivy League defensive records on his way. Since coaching, DeLuca has mentored All-CAA performers, conference major award recipients and two USILA defensive All-America honorees.

DeLuca has also done significant community service through philanthropy and professional societies, serving on the Board of Trustees for Catholic Charities of Boston Archdiocese as well as acting as president for its Greater Boston Chapter of National Italian American Foundation.

Personal Life

Tom Harris leaves behind his loving wife of 53 years, Elizabeth; sons Thomas, Frances and Dominic DeLuca; daughter Colin Rourke; grandchildren Angelinna, Natalee and Giovanni; brother James Luckman (Mary); sister-in-law Barbara DeLuca (Barbara DeLuca); as well as several nieces and nephews. Additionally he was a dedicated member of St Thomas Becket Church in Waterbury as well as being on the Cheshire YMCA Board and acting CYO Director – all things he loved doing in Waterbury!

He was a founding member of the St. Vincent de Paul Mission in Waterbury and actively participated in numerous other community groups and service organizations throughout his lifetime. He took great pride in founding and acting as treasurer for the St. Francis Hospital Foundation which opened its first obstetrics/gynecology suite. An avid sports fan, he relished spending time with family and friends.

Net Worth

Tom Deluca has always valued family as an integral component of life. His parents, Thomas and Mae Deluca, as well as older sisters Kiki Copertino and Lorraine Caliendo provided love and support. Additionally, two adoring daughters (Dr. Jennifer Baldwin and Gina Algilani), as well as five cherished grandchildren – Madeline Baldwin Samuel Baldwin Sophia Cameron Algilani Grayson Deluca were raised under their care.

Mr. Kukof has traded more than 10 MRK stocks during the past 12 years, with his largest trade being on 28 April 2023 where 141,599 units worth over $24.7 million were exercised.

DeLuca is an outstanding scholar and philanthropist who is committed to advancing forest ecosystem sciences. He conducts his research at Bangor University where he serves as environmental theme leader of Pontio and chair of its forestry group.