Alfred John Dellaera

Alfred J. Dellaera, "Al", age 94, of Fairfield, CT beloved husband of the late Gloria (Rabbia) Dellaera and loving father of Corinne Ann Dellaera, passed away peacefully Monday, April 30, 2018 in his home with Corinne and family by his side. Born in the Bronx, the son of the late Pietro and Lillian Dell'Aera, Al had been a Fairfield resident for the last 53 years. He proudly served in the First Division of the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II in the Asiatic- Pacific Theater where he participated in the battles of Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands, Eastern New Guinea, New Britain, and Palau Islands. He fought in the horrific battle of Peleliu Island where he was seriously injured and as a result, spent 2 years in the hospital and received the Purple Heart Medal. Following the War, Al met and married the love of his life, his "bride" Gloria, to whom he was married for 63 years. They began to build their life together in Utica, NY, the place which to this day they referred to as "Home". Al graduated from the Parsons School of Design in New York City and began a lengthy career as an industrial illustrator. He worked for RADC at Griffiss Air Force Base, CBS Laboratories, and Bunker Ramo. He was a parishioner for many years of St. Thomas Aquinas Church where he was a member of the Men's League. Mr. Dellaera was an active member of the First Marine Division Association, attending reunions since the late 1940s. He was a member of American Legion Post 274 and the Loyal Order of the Moose in Fort Myers Beach. He and Gloria loved to travel, especially enjoying their trips to Italy, Australia, and to the Pacific returning to the areas where he fought during World War II. Al was gifted with a beautiful voice and could always be heard singing or humming. His first job, at 16 years of age, was delivering singing telegrams for Western Union in New York City, and in recent years he looked forward to his weekly Karaoke. Al was a man of integrity who had an unwavering faith and a charismatic personality. He was a devoted and loving husband, father, brother and uncle. Survivors in addition to his devoted daughter Corinne include a brother, Mario (Ralph) Dell'Aera,, brother and sister-in-law Thomas and Beatrice Rabbia and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by two brothers, Leonard and Joseph Dellaera, Friends may greet the family Wednesday, May 2, 2018 from 6-8 p.m. in the Spear-Miller Funeral Home, 39 South Benson Road, Fairfield. All other services will be private. In lieu of flowers one may consider a donation to the Gloria Rabbia Dellaera Memorial Scholarship Fund in care of the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties, 2608 Genesee Street, Utica, NY 13502. For information or to offer an online condolence please visit www.SpearMillerFuneralHome.com