Obituary of Michael J. DelVecchio

Michael J. DelVecchio

Rochester: Michael passed away unexpectedly at the age of 69 on December 29th. Michael was the grandson of Italian immigrants and son of the most hardworking and loving parents each who instilled in him the values of family, hard work, and unwavering generosity.

To those who knew him, Michael was a thoughtful, creative soul who gave everything he had to make others happy. His greatest joy in life was seeing others smile, even if it came at his own expense. He worked tirelessly—long days and late nights—for the family business Dell's House of Kitchens, dedicating his life to bringing others' visions to life. While he often joked about the lack of a retirement plan, it was because he was too good at what he did to stop and because he truly loved his work.

Despite his demanding schedule, he never missed what truly mattered. Whether it was cheering on his grandchildren at their sports games or delivering a bag of birthday goodies in the dead of night, he always made time to show up for his family. He made each of us feel special and loved, and his pride in our successes was evident in everything he said and did.

He didn't like doctors or hospitals and he left us in the way he would have wanted—without ever stepping foot in either one. His passing, though sudden, was a reflection of the life he led: selfless.

He always reminded us how proud he was of us and how watching us grow up and start families of our own was what brought him joy, but the truth is, we were just as proud of him. We admired his creativity, his relentless work ethic, and his boundless generosity. He showed us what it means to truly give your all for the people you love. We wish we had more time with him—to tell him again how much he meant to us, to learn more from him, and to remind him to take a moment for himself. His legacy is one of unparalleled generosity, dedication and love.

Michael leaves behind a family who will carry his values forward: predeceased by his parents Anthony "Dell" and Connie DelVecchio; brother-in-law, Neil Smalline. He is survived by his loving fiancé of 15 years, Susan DiProjetto; sister, Anne Smalline; brother, Peter and Marlene DelVecchio; children, Valerie and Dave Rogers, Anthony and Shana DelVecchio, Steven and Miranda DelVecchio, and their mother, Lucille DelVecchio; step-children, Joseph and Kate DiProjetto and grandchildren Enzo, Jionni, Luciano, Massimo, Violet, Julian, Rosemary, Sammy and Ryan; nieces and nephews, Jeremy and Sue Smalline, Jaclyn and Matt Muisus, Jonathan and Katrina Smalline, Mark and Sue DelVecchio and Bob and Misty Statchel, Jennifer DeBruin, and Danielle Hodson and many great nieces and nephews. His memory will live on in the countless lives he touched and the traditions he upheld.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor his memory by embracing those around you with the same love, creativity, and thoughtfulness he brought to every moment.

His family will receive friends Monday, January 6, 4-7pm at the funeral home (570 Kings Highway So.) where his Funeral Service will be held Tuesday, January 7, 10:00 am. Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.

Rest in peace, Dad. You were one of a kind, and your love and sacrifices will never be forgotten. We will take it from here.