Samuel R DeLuca

Samuel R. DeLuca passed away peacefully on July 22, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. He was 92 years old.

Born on March 30, 1934, in Jersey City, New Jersey, Sam was the son of Peter and Ida DeLuca and one of four children. He was predeceased by his parents, sister, Albina, and his brother, Tony, and is survived by his beloved brother, Peter. He was the devoted husband of Barbara DeLuca, with whom he recently celebrated an extraordinary 70th wedding anniversary. Together, they built a remarkable life rooted in faith, love, and unwavering partnership, creating a close-knit family that remained the center of Sam’s life.

Sam was the proud and loving father of four children: Rita Bucco and her husband, Joseph; Peter DeLuca and his wife, Renee; Gina Martone and her husband, Anthony; and Samuel R. DeLuca, Jr. and his wife, Aga.

He was the cherished grandfather, affectionately known as "Bacca" to his grandchildren and many others whose lives he touched. He leaves behind his grandchildren Anthony and his wife, Alexandra; Sam and his wife, Madisen; Natalie and her husband, RJ; Sam and his wife, Nicki; Tony, and his wife, Valeria; Alexandra; Andy; and Nicolette, all of whom were blessed by his boundless love, wisdom, and presence. He is also survived by his great-grandson, Leo.

Sam was widely recognized as one of New Jersey's premier criminal defense attorneys. During a distinguished legal career spanning decades, he tried hundreds of cases and represented clients from every walk of life—from politicians and police officers to ordinary people facing some of life’s most difficult moments. Regardless of status or circumstance, Sam treated every client with dignity, compassion, and unwavering dedication.

Throughout his career, Sam litigated cases in state and federal courts in New Jersey and in jurisdictions across the country, from New York to Florida, California, and many places in between. Many of his clients became lifelong friends, a testament not only to his legal skill but also to the trust and genuine care he extended to everyone he represented.

Sam proudly co-founded the law firm DeLuca & Taite with his longtime partner and dear friend, George Taite, where he built upon his remarkable legal career before retiring in 2016. In the courtroom, he was known for his fierce advocacy, sharp intellect, and commanding presence. Though tenacious in defense of his clients, he was never antagonistic, earning the respect and friendship of judges, prosecutors, and fellow attorneys alike.

While Sam achieved tremendous professional success and earned the respect of colleagues and clients alike, his greatest accomplishment and deepest joy were always his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandson, and family. Nothing brought him greater happiness than being surrounded by those he loved, showering them with generosity, wisdom, and unconditional love.

Sam was generous, kind, spirited, and humble. He embraced life with enthusiasm and gratitude. He especially loved traveling to Italy and Sicily, immersing himself in his family's heritage, and
sharing those experiences with family and friends. He enjoyed fine dining, wine, music, spirited conversation, and creating lasting memories with the people he loved.

Sam's brilliance, joyful spirit, and deep love of life will be profoundly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy of integrity, compassion, unwavering devotion to family, and generosity are his gift that will endure for generations.

As George Taite lovingly remarked after Sam’s passing, “He’ll be in heaven pulling strings and running the world.” Those who knew Sam best couldn’t imagine it any other way.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 26, 2026, 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Riotto Funeral Home & Cremation Company, 3205 John F. Kennedy Blvd., Jersey City, NJ, 07306 (For GPS it is best to use our main parking lot address: 14 Stagg St., or additional parking located at 3210 John F. Kennedy Blvd.). Funeral will begin on Monday, July 27, 2026, 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home, followed by an 11:00 a.m. funeral mass at St. Aloysius Church, 691 West Side Ave, Jersey City, NJ 07304. Entombment will be at Holy Cross Mausoleum, 340 Ridge Rd, North Arlington, NJ 07031.

Donations may be made in memory of Samuel R. DeLuca to:

Shriners Children's (www.shrinerschildrens.org)

or 

St. Joseph's School for the Blind (www.schoolfortheblind.org)