Mark A. DeLuca December 13, 1958 - October 27, 2016 San Diego Mark was a native San Diegan and lifelong resident, Saint Augustine Class of '76 and Class of '80 University of San Diego; Mark was a fixture in the Southern California business community for many years, Chief Operating Officer for Art's Inc. having been brought up in the business by his mentor, Dad and founder of Art's Inc., Arthur DeLuca.Recent years were spent touring the U.S. with the most important person in his life, Karen. Mark and Karen have traveled for the last 4 years visiting family in MT, IA, SC, and sightseeing all over the United States, putting 8,000 miles behind the wheel of their diesel pusher. Something magic happened on the road. The adventure suited him; his health improved and cares seemed to fall away. Good company can do that!Mark's heart was as big as the outdoors. He enjoyed gardening, hunting elk from horseback on the western slope of Colorado; fly fishing in the Sierras; the raw wonder of aspirated American big-block motor; or the sheer pleasure of a good single-malt scotch, Cuban cigar and a campfire. Mark would want to shake hands and say thank you to every employee that contributed to the success of the business. Mark leaves behind his bride Karen, his mother Mary Lou, his son John Paul, his bonus' children Melissa, Dane, Katie, John Joseph, Anthony, Austin and sister Gina.Memorial service will be at St. Didacus Catholic Church located at 4772 Felton St., San Diego, CA 92116 on November 4th at 11:00 AM, reception following in the church hall. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the American Diabetes Society, 5060 Shoreham Place, Suite 100, San Diego, CA 92122.
Published in The San Diego Union Tribune on Nov. 3, 2016