David John DeLaria

Captain David John DeLaria US Air Force Retired, age 85, of Asheville, NC passed away on February 24, 2025 in the Valor Hospice wing of the Charles George VA Medical Center, in Asheville, NC.  David was born in Malden, MA on December 20, 1939 to the late James DeLaria and Dorothea Casano DeLaria.  David was a previous resident, of 40 years, in Cambridge, MD.

David is preceded in death by his siblings, James Jr., Norma Jeanne, Bob, Louise, Roger, Richard, Clifford, and Allan.  David is survived by his spouse of 48 years, Robert A. D’Aigle-DeLaria.  He is also survived by his sister, Lorraine DeLaria Rogers (Cedric), of Pamona, CA; his nieces and nephews, Richard DeLaria (Dawn), Lea Delaria, of New York City, Norma Jean, of Fort Worth, TX, Liann Fiore, of ME, and many other nieces and nephews.  He is also survived by his service dog, Zina DeLaria.

David earned double master’s degree in business and history.  He proudly served our country during the Vietnam War in the U.S. Air Force, where he earned a Distinguished Flying Cross as a C130 Captain.  He also served during the Congo Conflict and was highly decorated.  David worked for Pan American Airlines, Eastern Airlines, and Long and Foster Real Estate, where he received his multi-million dollar sales award, 4 years in a row.  He was the president of the Historic Society for 8 years.  He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign War, and also a member of The Statue of Liberty Ellis Island Foundation, Inc.

A special thanks to the Asheville VA Hospital staff and the amazing staff at the VA Valor Hospice for all their help and care of not only David, but for Robert, and their service dog, Zina.

David will be interred in a private ceremony with full military honors at the VA cemetery on Black Mountain in Asheville, North Carolina. 

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