Ƶ’s fourth president passes away
Ƶ mourns the loss of Deacon Daniel DeLucca, who served as the university’s fourth president from 1990 to 1997. He passed away on June 5, 2025, at the age of 93.
President DeLucca ushered in a new era at Ƶ. His tenure saw the construction of the Franco Library, the establishment of a governance system for faculty tenure, and the launch of the university’s first website. He also led the creation of the Schuylkill Center, laying the foundation for Ƶ’s presence in Schuylkill County, now thriving through the Pottsville CollegeTowne initiative.
In 1996, the John Templeton Foundation named Ƶ to its Honor Roll for character-building colleges, citing its service requirement as exemplary — a reflection of DeLucca’s commitment to values-based education.
Beyond Ƶ, DeLucca’s career included leadership roles at Saint Joseph’s University and Spring Garden College. He was ordained a permanent deacon in 1986, served the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, and was awarded the Papal Cross: Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice for his service to the Church.
His return to Ƶ in 2021 to celebrate his granddaughter’s graduation was a powerful moment that symbolized the lasting connection he and his family maintained with the university. Watching her walk across the stage, he described the moment as one of “immense pride and joy.”
Deacon DeLucca is survived by his four sons, nine grandchildren, and two great-granddaughters. will be held on Friday, June 13, at 10:30 AM at St. Andrew the Apostle Church in Drexel Hill, PA. Viewing will take place Thursday evening and Friday morning at the D’Anjolell Memorial Home of Broomall. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to Autism Speaks, Donations Processing Center, P.O. Box 37148, Boone, IA 50037.
His legacy lives on in the generations he taught, mentored, and inspired — including here at Ƶ.
