Alfonse Joseph "Joe" DeLellis

Alfonse Joseph "Joe" DeLellis, a cherished husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle, and friend, passed away unexpectedly at Windsor Regional Hospital on October 11, 2026, one day after his 85th birthday. Born on October 10, 1941, in Leamington, Ontario, to Al and Helen DeLellis, Joe gave his heart to his family and his devotion to farming, finding joy in hard work, good company, and life's simple pleasures. Joe attended Michigan State University on a Division 1 hockey scholarship and graduated in 1964 with a degree in Agriculture. He then embarked on a fruitful career as a farmer, entrepreneur, and innovator. One of the first to introduce mechanical tomato harvesting, he was also a pioneer in Ontario seedling production and the longest-standing salesman of belted harvester chains. Despite his demanding work schedule, Joe made time to volunteer with the Kinsmen and the Ontario Processing Vegetable Marketing Board. He also loved the camaraderie of his Wednesday boys coffee club. An avid horseman, Joe bred and trained horses and loved the many he cared for over the years— most recently Maybelle, Bluebelle, and Bolt, and many before them. He was a history buff with a particular passion for Westerns. His love for sports was evident in his days of playing football, hockey, basketball, and pole vaulting at LDHS. An artist and craftsman in his own way, Joe could fix anything with twine and wire, and could even play the bagpipes. Give Joe a full tank of gas and a two-lane backroad, and he was happy. He loved exploring new places and never saw the need to take the freeway when there was a more interesting way to get there. Joe had the rare gift of making connections with people; he could engage anyone in conversation and have their life story in ten minutes. His sweet tooth was legendary, with a particular fondness for ice cream, pie, and pastries. Joe is survived by his devoted wife of nearly 60 years, Joann; his beloved son David and his wife Denise; his cherished daughter Michele and her husband Mike; his dear sister Linda and her husband Larry; his adored grandchildren, Brady, Alexa, Sydney, Nicole (Alex) and Beau; his many nieces and nephews; and his dog Maya. He was predeceased by his loving parents, Al and Helen. Family and friends are invited to celebrate Joe’s life on November 15, 2026, from 12:00 to 4:00 PM at the Roma Club Pavilion - please bring your funny stories; we are sure there are many. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly suggests donations to the Windsor-Essex Therapeutic Riding Association (WETRA), an organization dear to Joe’s heart. Joe’s legacy of love, kindness, humor, and hard work will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. May he rest in peace, knowing he made the world a brighter place. Roma Club Pavilion Address: 19 Seacliffe Drive East, Leamington, Ontario The Pavilion is in the back of the club https://maps.apple/p/~yCi3AK87-UJLP