Wilfred Dellva
December 3, 1942 - September 12, 2022

Wilfred Leo Dellva died after a brief illness on September 12, 2022, at the age of 79 in Phoenix, Arizona. Fred was preceded in death by his parents Wilfred P. and Agnes F. Dellva. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Mary, his two children: Peter (Denise) and Mary Anne, his three grandchildren: Alex (Spenncer), Henry (Rachel), and Will, and his two great grandchildren: Wolfie and Ruby (in utero). He is also survived by sister Sue Bauer (Randy).

Fred was born in Kansas City, Kansas where he spent all his early years. He graduated from Bishop Ward High School in 1960. He spent one year at St. Louis University and then transferred to the University of Kansas, where he met Mary Elizabeth Axe.

Fred enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1967 and served honorably in the U.S. Army, National Guard and Reserves for 30 years, retiring as a Colonel. He graduated from Officer Candidate School at Fort Knox, served tours of duty in Germany and Vietnam, and then was posted to Fort Knox. As a company commander in Vietnam, Fred earned numerous decorations including the Bronze Star Medal for Valor and Air Medal for Valor. Other decorations in his Army career include the Legion of Merit Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Civil Action Medal.

Concurrently to serving in the military, Fred earned several degrees, including a PhD in Finance from the University of Oklahoma. He then taught Finance at Iowa State University, St. Joseph's University, and Villanova University, retiring in 2005. He and Mary lived in Bala Cynwyd, PA for 20 years. Fred taught many MBA classes at night and during the day he drove all over the area playing golf. Mary and Fred enjoyed their time on the east coast, taking advantage of all that Philadelphia, New York, and Washington DC had to offer. They also traveled extensively, especially enjoying European river cruises, California winery trips, and visits to Indianapolis to see Mary Anne and Glenview to see Pete, Denise and their three boys. They also went on many trips with the whole family including Disney World, Mexico, and Belize. Fred was so proud of his three tall grandsons and was sure to attend all their Eagle Scout Ceremonies and high school and college graduations, tearing up the airways to see them.

Upon retiring, Fred and Mary moved to Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, a location chosen by Mary since it was her turn to pick. There Fred continued to golf and worked as a marshal at the local golf course. THEN great grandchildren entered the picture. Henry and Rachel are the parents of the amazing Wolfgang Krueger Dellva (Wolfie) and Alex and Spenncer are expecting the first granddaughter (Ruby Erin) on December 2 - Grandpa was hoping she would wait and arrive on his birthday, December 3. Soon after Wolfie arrived, Fred and Mary moved to an independent living community in Phoenix which made it possible to see his beloved grands and great grands more often.

Fred's service to his country was foundational to his life as well as his love for the Oklahoma Sooners, golf, wine, and spending time with his family.

Interment private. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Disabled Veterans of America at https://www.dav.org/

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