Joseph DeLosa

A true patriot of the greatest generation....

Joseph "Cowboy Joe" DeLosa of Thornwood passed away on Tuesday, July 23rd, at the age of 98. He was born on January 13th, 1926 to Rosa (nee Barbuto) and Francesco DeLosa.

Growing up in the Bronx with his 13 siblings was an amazing adventure and the family bonds that were created growing up have continued to run deep over the years as witnessed by the Family Day event that he organized every year. He held many jobs as a young man from working on a farm, to being a short order cook and even a sound quality specialist at Decca records. A World War II veteran paratrooper, after the war ended he concluded his service with the 864th engineer aviation battalion where he was a construction machine operator. After returning to civilian life he was employed by OPM where he met the love of his life Carmella. They married in 1953 and moved to Thornwood in 1956. Joe continued his government service at the Bronx VA medical center rising to the position of Chief Electrician. He retired from the VA in 1981 and was recruited to help start White Electric which quickly grew to become one of the most successful and respected electrical contractors in Westchester.

Cowboy Joe, as he was affectionately known, was deeply involved in the local community where he was a Scout leader, a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus, Commander of the Thornwood American Legion for several years and the business manager for the Thornwood Fire Department Band, The Lancers, and the Blue Crew marching band. He is a former member of the Mt. Pleasant Seniors where he had many friends and enjoyed all their trips and activities.

He is survived by his son Joseph, Jr. and his wife Deborah and their son Joseph III. In lieu of flower please make a donation to the USO in memory of Joseph.

Joe will be reposing at the Hawthorne Funeral Home on Friday, July 26th, from 4 PM - 8 PM. Graveside service with full military honors on Saturday, July 27th, at 10:30 AM at Gate of Heaven Cemetery Hawthorne, NY.