The college was recently notified of the passing of Professor Emeritus Joseph DeLeo (Chemistry). Mr. DeLeo passed away on April 19 in Melbourne, Florida at the age of 91. His wife Ruth preceded him in death in 2001. They leave behind three sons, two daughters, five grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Mr. DeLeo served in the U.S. Army in the European theater of operation for more than three years. While training as a dental lab technician in the Army he was exposed to the sciences and set his sights on becoming a science teacher. After earning a bachelor’s degree from State Teachers College in Edinboro, Pennsylvania and a master’s degree from New Mexico Highlands University in Las Vegas, New Mexico on full scholarship, he taught at the high school level in New York and Ohio, including at the Oakfield-Alabama Central School District.
He taught organic and inorganic chemistry, physics and biology at MCC from 1963 to 1981. During his time at MCC he also authored a college chemistry textbook. He was known as an innovative and enthusiastic teacher who contributed to the overall development of MCC as a member of the curriculum and educational policy committees. He helped organize area science fairs and attracted promising, area high school students to study chemistry at MCC. Upon his retirement, the MCC Board of Trustees acknowledged his service by providing him with the rank of professor emeritus.
Donations in his and his wife’s memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, 1260 S. US Highway 1, Suite #201, Rockledge, FL 32955.
Anne M. Kress
President's Office
05/08/2012 |