Pennsylvania state Rep. Anthony M. “Tony” DeLuca died on Oct. 9 at his Penn Hills home after a brief battle with lymphoma, a disease he had beaten two times previously, the Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus has announced.
At 85, DeLuca was the oldest and longest-serving member of the state’s House of Representatives.
The Democratic lawmaker held the seat for 39 years, the longest state House tenure in Pennsylvania history. He represented the 32nd District, comprising the communities of Penn Hills Township—where he lived for more than 60 years—Verona Borough, the majority of Plum Borough and—as a result of the recent legislative redistricting—Oakmont Borough, all of which are in Allegheny County.
DeLuca was the ranking Democrat on the House Insurance Committee for more than 20 years. After his first lymphoma diagnosis and following his late wife Connie’s breast cancer diagnosis, he became an advocate for cancer awareness and early detection. He introduced legislation to increase funding for cancer research, better treatment procedures, and care following a diagnosis, the House Democrats said in a statement.
He was the prime sponsor of more than 100 pieces of legislation during just the 2021–2022 session. In July, he advocated for suspending Pennsylvania’s 58-cent tax per gallon of gasoline until the end of 2022. In May, he proposed allowing schools to restrict student use of smartphones during the school day.
Commitment to Service
“DeLuca believed serving as a state representative was a full-time commitment both in the Capitol and in the district and did not have outside employment,” the House Democrats said in their statement. “While others his age retired and enjoyed their golden years, DeLuca remained deeply committed to his legislative responsibilities—serving his constituents, particularly seniors and families, and being a staunch supporter and defender of labor unions and firefighters.“Until just a few days before his death, he remotely participated in House floor sessions and voted on legislation.”
In addition to the House Insurance Committee, DeLuca was a member of the Democratic Policy Committee and several other caucuses including Autism, Cancer, Firefighters and Emergency Services, Mental Health, Sportsmen, and Steel.
DeLuca was proud of his Italian heritage and was one of the original co-founders, and eventual longtime chairman, of the Pennsylvania Legislative American–Italian Caucus, created to combat social injustice and discrimination against Italian Americans.
Before being elected as a state representative, DeLuca served five years as a Penn Hills councilman, then two years as Penn Hills deputy mayor.
He leaves behind four children, nine grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. In addition to his late wife of 66 years, he was preceded in death by his brother Larry and his parents.
