Armando D'Elia

June 21, 2004

Armando Elmerino D'Elia, of North Syracuse, died Monday at his home with his family by his side. A self employed barber, he owned and operated Peter's Barber Shop at Sweetheart Corners for over 30 years, then out of his home on Taft Rd (giving haircuts to a few cherished friends & grandchildren until his death.) Born in the Bronx, Mr. D'Elia was a young child when he went to live with his grandparents in Italy after the death of his mother. There is where he learned the trade of barbering and subsequently owned and operated his own village barber shop next door to his family home in Caserta, Italy. In 1955, sponsored by his sister-in-law Esterina Leone Santillo, he returned to America and settled in Syracuse along with his brother Tony D'Elia and their families. A dedicated provider and self made man he gradually worked his way from an assistant Barber to co-owner to sole proprietor of Peter's Barber Shop. Until his illness prevented him from engaging in outdoor activities, he had been and avid hunter and fisherman and always a "collector." Although he was an American, the Italian Army drafted him in the late 1930's. He served under combat conditions in the front line during WW II and lost his toes to frostbite in the harsh Russian climate. His beloved wife of 40 years, Donata Leone D'Elia passed way in 1985. Survivors include his two daughters; Linda Casoni (Vito) of Amherst, NY and Antoinetta Feehan (Caniel) of Liverpool, a sister; Anna D'Elia Zona of Buffalo, NY, seven grandchildren; Dava Casoni Craighill (Peyton), Charles Casoni, Laura Casoni, Patrick Feehan (Stephanie), Maureen Feehan, Eileen Feehan and Ryan Feehan, several nieces,nephews and cousins.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be said at 9 AM Saturday at St. Joseph the Worker Church, Tulip St, Liverpool followed by burial in Assumption Cemetery, Syracuse. Calling Hours will be on Friday from 2-4 & 7-9 PM at New Comer Family Funeral Home, 705 North Main Street, North Syracuse (214-0400). Flowers gratefully declined. Those wishing to make memorial contributions in Mr. D'Elia's name may do the American Lung Association or the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation.