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Valerie L. "Val" DeLuca

Valerie L. "Val" DeLuca, 62, of Kittanning, PA, passed away on Monday, April 14, 2025 at UPMC Presbyterian in Pittsburgh, PA, after a courageous battle with cancer. She faced her illness with the same strength, humor, and heart that defined her life - and while cancer may have taken her body, it never touched her soul.

Born Aug. 21, 1962 in Kittanning, PA, to Clinton H. and Anna Ruth (Starr) Rosenberger, she was the youngest daughter of six children. Family was everything to her. She poured her heart into caring for the people she loved, whether it was with a warm meal from her kitchen, a tight hug after a long day, or a laugh shared over a campfire. She will be remembered as being a fiercely devoted "boy mom" and the biggest fan her boys ever had in both sports and life.

A 1980 graduate of Kittanning High School, she worked at the Leader Times in the Graphic and Layout Department where her creativity, sense of humor, and dedication left a lasting impact.

The beach was her happy place. Give her a warm breeze, the sound of waves, and a seat on the balcony with her coffee, and she was in her element. It was where she felt most at peace, and where so many memories were made. Her family camp was another place she felt at home, full of stories, traditions, and that perfect mix of nature and nostalgia. Whether it was late-night card games, bonfires, or just sitting quietly under the trees, camp was where she came alive in a different way-completely herself, surrounded by the people that meant the most. To say Val loved a little gambling would be an understatement. Whether at the slot machines or BINGO, with scratch-off tickets or family card games-she loved the fun, the thrill, and maybe just a little bit of the mischief. Win or lose, she played with a smile, a twinkle in her eye, and often, with surprising luck.

She leaves behind a family who will never be the same without her, but who are infinitely better for having had her in their lives especially her loving husband, Paul A. DeLuca, whom she married on Aug. 29, 1986; sons, Jeremy S. DeLuca and wife Alyson, Nicholas A. DeLuca and wife Shelly all of Kittanning, and PJ DeLuca and girlfriend Jenn Redick of Lower Burrell; grandchildren, Kelsey, Kodi, Avah, Atalyn, Sutton, Aria, and Dominic; great-grandson Wyatt Dean DeLuca; brothers, Paul E. Rosenberger and wife, Marsha, Randy C. Rosenberger all of Kittanning, and John R. Rosenberger and wife Dawn of Sea Isle, NJ; and sisters, Anita L. Moser and husband Bruce and Susan E. Norris all of Kittanning.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brother-in-law, James Norris, Jr.

She lived her life the way she wanted-full of grit, grace, and a whole lot of heart. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her but they know she is somewhere where the sun is always shining, the cards are always hot, and the ocean never ends.

Family and friends will be received from 1 - 3 PM and 6 - 8 PM on Monday, April 21, 2025 at the Bauer Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 515 N. McKean Street, Kittanning, Pa.

A funeral Mass will be held at 11 AM on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at St. Mary's Our Lady of Guadalupe, 101 West High Street, Kittanning PA with The Very Reverend Eric J. Dinga, V.F. as celebrant.

Interment will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, Kittanning, PA.

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