Dan W. DeLuca, 68, passed away on Wednesday, November 30, 2016 unexpectedly at home. He was a lifelong resident of Meriden, the son of Willard E. DeLuca and the late Shirley (Defelice) DeLuca. Born on April 24, 1948. Dan was an electronic teacher for H.C. Wilcox in Meriden and opened the satellite program for Lyman Hall High School in Wallingford. “Mr. D” enjoyed teaching and sharing his knowledge with his students for many years. Dan developed many interests, one of which was reproduction of historic buildings throughout Meriden. These painted reproductions were on display in local restaurants, banks, and at Meriden City Hall. Dan is a genealogist and a Meriden Connecticut Historian. He has had numerous historical articles published in newspapers throughout New England. With his knowledgeable doctors at Hartford Hospital, Dan was the recipient of a heart transplant in 1998. We were fortunate to have celebrated 18 years. After 20 years of his research, the book “The Old Leather Man” was published by Wesleyan University in 2008. Words cannot express our grief in losing Dan. He LOVED LIFE and his FAMILY! He didn't waste one minute. Doing for his family and friends was his Passion. He's had so many experiences that made him who he is, that we aren't able to document it all. Quite the conversationalist, historian, educator, etc. He had such a yearning to learn! As a young man Dan was owner of the Meriden Electrical Company and Meriden Alarm Service Co., a licensed projectionist at the Palace and Capitol Theaters, Meriden Center Cinema in Wallingford, the Twin Theatre in Middletown and Southington Drive In. During this time he also was working with the lighting crew at the Oakdale in Wallingford, CT handling the follow spotlighting for the stage performances. He spent time designing and building additions and decks. He truly enjoyed lending a helping hand to family and friends. Ask him anything and he'd either already know or would find out. The excitement of mastering new technology, as it appeared on the market, clearly showed. He couldn't wait to share this knowledge with all of his family and friends. He wanted us all to enjoy the benefits. He is survived by his daughter Sheri DeLuca, grandson David Kroll, granddaughter Rachel Kroll, sister Judith Despres and her husband Donald Despres, nephew Scott Drespres and his wife Tracey, great niece Jessica, nephew Steven Despres and his wife Elise and also Missy Wrinn, her husband Michael and family. Predeceased by his son Dan W. DeLuca and brother Scott B. DeLuca. Family and friends are invited to attend calling hours on Wednesday, December 7, 2016 at the John J. Ferry Funeral Home 88 East Main St. Meriden, CT 06450 from 4 to 7 p.m. Funeral service and burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hartford Hospital 80 Seymour St. Hartford, CT 06106 Care of Fund Development Department Transplant Fund Program.