A High School Friend who along with others was lost in service. May his sacrifice and be long remembered.

I will never forget you Jimmy!  Hope you are taking care of all of us on this  mixed up and bad world.  I will never ever forget you and Barb.

Thinking of you, Mr. DelVecchio, as a great teacher and mentor. 
Madeleine (Miadich)

Jim was the Athletic Director at good old West High when I was a student there.  When I began my teaching career, Jim was the A.D. at West Tech.  After a few years at a Jr. High, I began coaching and eventually teaching at Tech.  When Jim retired, he recommended me for the Athletic Director position which I held until the school closed.  He mentored me for that job and was always receptive to answering questions I had along the way.  Jim was a leader and a truly dedicated professional.  Many people benefited from his dedication to his profession.  My condolences to the entire DelVecchio family.

My fondest memory of Jim is his love for his wife and family.  Fondest memories of our time together at West Tech and his total Cleveland Public school career.   Sincere regrets to his wife Barbara and his family.  RIP   Celia Marie Giganti

While we met Jim only recently,  he immediately became like family to us with that huge heart that had room for everyone.   He will be deeply missed but leaves smiles and cherished memories of the most unique person we have ever met.  May God bless and watch over his family.

If I could name one of  the most memorable characters I have ever met, It would be Jim!  Both he and Barb were a great part of our John Christ family.  He always had a funny story and a wonderful smile.  The world will be sad without him.  Please accept my deepest sorrow Barb to you and your family.   Love to you all and God Bless Jim's soul!

May Jim rest in peace. My memories are of our wrestling day's watching our boy's wrestle. What a great time! My prayers are being said for his wife Barbara and family. God bless!
Hazel Silvestro

I graduated in 1969 but remember him because everyone at West Tech knew of him! He was the best known person in the school!!

Though my association with Mr. DelVeccio was almost 50 years ago, he is a teacher who impacted many of our lives at West Tech.  He will be missed by all whose path he crossed and maybe altered.

Dear Sharon, I’m so very sorry for the loss of your father.  It was great bumping into you and your parents twice last year at Frankie’s! Your dad really did have a big personality and lit up the restaurant when he walked in. I know my father thinks very highly of him and loved working with him.   The Chernauskas family sends our condolences to you and to your family.

I loved his science classes and how much he cared about all of us as his students. He was never to busy to take extra time to  help with information we were having a problem with! It was in his class that my eyes opened to just some of the things I choose to do in life. 
May God grant peace to his family ! He has gone to be an angel too soon....There were three classes I remember the most from all the way through school and his was definitely one !!

Sending my deepest sympathy on the loss of your husband, father and grandfather. My Dad always had the nicest things to say about "Geech" and the "he dropped the cut-off throw" stories will always be one of the classics.  May you find comfort and joy in all of your memories. Keep them close and you will feel him with you. With sympathy and understanding,

Terri Simeone

Geech was a demanding teacher.  He was my baseball coach.  He was terrific and made me a more responsible and accountable as an individual.  I remember being in his history class in my sophomore year.  I didn't do my homework when he called on me.  Nothing was said until the end of class when he gave me three swats.  I never went unprepared again. He was a wonderful person, teacher and an all room terrific person.  We will miss him.  May he RIP. 

Sad from all the way out in California. So sorry to the family of Mr. Delvecchio. I never personally knew Mr. Delvecchio but all my friends did. I was a latecomer to West High having transferred from St Edwards for my last two years of High School. I went to all the high school baseball games so I did see coach. I also was in attendance in the AAA baseball game at Cleveland Stadium. I remember how proud everyone was when James hit one out. What better way to coach your team on how to hit. God Bless everyone who knew Mr. Delvechio. 


Mr. Delvecchio, you were one of those neighbors that everyone should have. Your memorable voice, the way it used to belt, "HEY ONIONHEAD!" when you'd see me out playing in the neighborhood. Your pristine lawn that we had to stay off of. Your smooth way of shaking hands by sliding your palm across mine. You were amazing, and I will always remember you. Until we meet again....

Mr. DelVecchio was my favorite teacher at West Tech. He was a great World History teacher, always keeping everyone’s interest by making it fun and engaging. I also worked after school for him in the Athletic office in 1970-71. I will remember him always. God Bless his soul. Madeleine (Miadich)

He was a great friend of my grandfather and an awesome baseball coach. I’ll never forget how he would first introduce himself to kids. “Young man, I’m not yelling at you, this is just how I talk!” Is what he would always say, without a doubt he was an unforgettable person. 

I had Mr. DelVecchio as a teacher, and I also worked for him in the Athletic Department.  He was so wonderful,  I remember the thank you dinner at his house for the people who worked for him, Mr. and Mrs. DelVecchio came to my parents house for my sister, Judy’s graduation, that’s something I will always remember, we were so excited.  We will keep the whole family in our prayers.

Arlene (Neville) Odon

Mr. DelVecchio made us clean our baseball spikes before the game.  He said “if we don’t win, at least we’ll look good”!  He taught me how to hit a curve ball!  He turned me into a catcher and let me play when I was a sophomore on the varsity team.  I remember that he hit a home run at the Cleveland Stadium while playing AAA ball.  He was always a good friend and leader to all of us athletes at West High School.  We considered him a friend.  My wife, Belinda, and I went to his house a few times to visit when he lived on Carsten Lane.  So sorry to learn of his passing.  Condolences to Mrs. DelVecchio, and the whole family.  January, 1967, West High School graduate.

Oh how I loved Mr. DelVecchio (Geech).  At West High school I worked in the athletic office for him.  I remember when he took all of the girls that worked in the office to his house for a “thank you” dinner for our “hard” work.  We had such a fun time.  Mrs. DelVecchio was so kind to all of us.  Everyone in sports at West respected and loved him so much.  He made all my high school years happy ones just knowing him and being part of his team.  I graduated in June, 1967.  He was also a huge part of my husband, Fred Herman’s life.  We greatly loved and respected him so much.  You’re going to be missed, Mr. DelVecchio!

I remember Mr.Delvecchio from West High School. I always thought he was a very nice man. Sorry for your loss 
Barb

He was a great teacher, tough but great.  He always emphasized outlines which has helped me all my life.   His coach demeanor carried into the classroom and made me motivated to pay attention.  Sad loss and he will be missed.  

Condolences. 

Angie (Shrake) York (class of 1971)

I worked in the athletic ticket booth at West Tech from 1973 - 1975.  Mr Delvecchio was head of the Athletic Department. He was always so nice. Of all my years at Tech I've always thought of him fondly. Praying God will comfort you, his family with all the wonderful memories you have of him.

Don't remember many teachers from West Tech, but I do remember Mr Delvecchio.  Probably because he was a force to be reckoned with.  A good force. May he Rest in Peace and his family be comforted by the fact that he had such a full life...

Barb and family,

So very sorry to hear of your husband/father passing.  Sending you hugs and prayers. May his soul Rest In Peace. 

Tom, Karen, Alexa and Nicole Matejka 

Too many fond memories of my father-in-law to recite here. He was a character and a firecracker all the way to the end.  He will be greatly missed. 

The best example of Pops I can share is from my wedding day to his daughter Connie, when he pulled me aside right before the ceremony.  He said "Craigy, just two things...first, I want you to know that there are no refunds or exchanges with my daughter and second, here is her student loan payment book", which he proceeded to hand to me at the church.  

Although he liked to come across with a tough exterior, he had a heart that was bigger than life itself.   He relentlessly jabbed at my kids when they were younger by telling them they "needed a haircut",  to "remind him of their name",  and to "call Papa".  All of it came from a source of pride and affection.   

I sure hope there are haircuts in heaven...otherwise there is going to be a problem.  Love you Pops, thanks for welcoming me into the family for all these years.




I had Mr DelVecchio for world history in the tenth grade.  History was always a favorite subject of mine.   He made it interesting.  I also was one of the "track girls" who took times and kept statistics for the track team so i would see him a lot.  Praying for his family at this time.  Even though it is very hard to lose someone, he had a long life and there are many memories to remember him by.  May he rest in peace.

Debbie Rush Baker  West Tech class of 74

Blessings to Jim , his family and all of us West Highers who his life touched as a teacher and athlete director/ coach 🙏🏻❤️Glenn 1966 grad.

My heart is broken … Jim was the BEST NEIGHBOR I ever had.   My husband, Don, and Jim always tried to out-do each other's lawns.  When I planted my rose bushes I asked Jim to bless them and what beautiful roses I had!

To Barb, and all the family, please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.  I wish I could be there for you.  

Sending much love, Jackie 

Mr Delvecchio was a great man and friend to our family. 
The last generation of True men have lost another one. 
I know our father is welcoming him into heaven. 
God bless the delvecchio family during these tough times. His was a life well lived. 
God bless 
Frank Bova jr

Our deepest sympathies for the Delvecchio Familia and friends He was a great coach and mentor to all , Jack Erwin WHS CLASS of 1966

Sincere condolences on the passing of your loved one. I have fond memories as a child growing up in the old neighborhood, then as a young adult  at West Tech, with your husband/father.  Truly a great man. Peace and comfort, during this difficult time.  🤍

Rest In Peace 
Mike McCarthy
WTH Class of 77

OBITUARY

James Thomas DelVecchio

November 17, 1935 – April 21, 2020

Craciun Berry Funeral Home

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Past Services

Family will received friends from 9am untill 10am mass

Funeral Mass Friday at 10am at St. Clarence Church 30106 Lorain Rd. North Olmcted Oh. 44070.

Burial at Holy Cross Cemetery