Maria DeLuco, aged 95, passed away on October 22, 2026. Born in Trieste, Italy, she was the daughter of the late Giuseppe Metlica and Rosa Zamperlo. It was in her beautiful hometown of Trieste that Maria met and married the love of her life, Peter DeLuco. As a military family, they were stationed in multiple locations in Europe and the United States until their final duty assignment at West Point, NY in May 1959. The family remained on West Point for 7 years, where they raised their daughters. Following her husband’s military retirement in 1966, the family settled in their new home in Highland Falls, NY.
Maria had an enduring strength, warm spirit and a devotion to her family. She spent many hours and found joy in creating a warm, welcoming home. An exceptionally talented woman, she was an excellent cook and an accomplished seamstress, knitter and avid gardener. Maria also loved to paint still life artwork reflecting her love of the garden and flowers. She enjoyed seeing her artwork displayed in her friends and family homes. Maria ensured she made family gatherings for any occasion special by featuring her legacy family recipes which often included gnocchi and her home baked desserts. She especially loved to make knitted hats and scarves, gifting her family and friends with her handmade pieces that will be treasured forever.
Maria was predeceased by her beloved husband, Peter, a proud World War II veteran who dedicated 23 years of honorable service to a career in the United States Army. Together, they shared the unique bond of a military life, establishing a foundation in resilience and deep family unity. Among their family’s fondest memories are the many happy times Maria and Peter spent with family and friends at Casa Milanese, where they loved to go for Italian Sunday dinner, filling the evening with good food, wine, laughter and much ballroom dancing. She was also preceded in death by two siblings, Eugenio Metlica (brother), and Giorgina Metlica (sister), both of Trieste, Italy.
She leaves behind a legacy of love through her two daughters, Shirley Landolfa and her husband Joseph of Newburgh, NY and Margie Roberts and her husband John of Warwick, NY. She was a devoted grandmother and adored her grandchildren (twins), Melissa Makofske, and Gregory Makofske and his wife Jennifer. She was also the proud great-grandmother of Gabriella and Nicholas Makofske.
The family thanks the doctors, nurses and aides at The Schervier Pavilion and St. Anthony’s Community hospital for their medical services and compassionate care provided in her time of need.
Maria will be laid to rest with her husband at the West Point Cemetery. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, December 3, 2026 at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Chapel on West Point at 10 am. Final committal services will follow at the West Point Cemetery, West Point, NY. Friends and relatives who plan on attending the mass and burial are to meet at the West Point Visitors Center located at 2107 New South Post Road, West Point, NY 10996 between 09:00-09:30 to follow the procession onto West Point.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Maria’s name may be made to St. Anthony’s Community Hospital via WMCHealth Giving Portal: https://give.wmchealth.org/campaign/bon-secours-warwick-health-foundation-impact-society/c498619