Harold J. DeLand

Harold J. DeLand, 97 of Throop passed away, peacefully Thursday, February 29, 2024 at the V.A. Medical Center in Syracuse, surrounded by his loving family.

  He was born in Auburn, the son of the late Harold and Margaret (O’Hora) DeLand and had been an area resident for all of his life. Harold was a decorated, World War II Army veteran, having served in General Patton’s 3rd Army, 5th Division in Germany. Harold was involved in the Battle of the Rhine, where he was injured. His bravery in combat, yielded him the prestigious, Purple Heart Medal of Honor. Harold previously worked at the former Colombian Rope Co.,Vans Bakery, Sylvania, Sunnycrest, and more recently was a familiar face helping at the family owned Vitale’s Farm Market on Clark St., and was often seen at the weekly farmer’s market. Harold was an avid hunter, enjoyed woodworking, and taking an occasional trip to one of our local casinos. Harold loved being surrounded by his family and will be sadly missed by all of them.

  He is survived by his loving twin daughters, Karen Milillo, Sharon (Ben) Vitale, daughter-in-law Betty DeLand, seven grandchildren, Scott DeLand (Barb), Mark DeLand, Todd (Tami) Milillo, Tammy Milillo, Eric (Nita) Milillo, Adam Vitale (Angela English), Amanda Vitale (Greg Frigon), eight great-grandchildren, Kiley Owen, Grace and Victoria Milillo, Kennedy and Kaleb Vitale, Mildred English, Ava and Colton Frigon as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to his parents, he was also predeceased by his best friend and loving wife of more than 61 years, Betty (Hoskins) DeLand, two sons, Gregory and Harold ‘Bill’ DeLand, son-in-law Richard Milillo and siblings, George, Ed, Jim, Betty Scanlon, and Jean Farrar.

  Calling hours are this Wednesday, March 6th from 4-7 pm at Pettigrass Funeral Home. Services are Thursday at 11:00 am at the funeral home, 196 Genesee St., Auburn, followed by burial in Throopsville Rural Cemetery, where full military honors will be accorded.

  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Harold’s memory to the Throop Fire Department. 

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