Dr. Kenneth A. DeLuca Ph.D.'s Obituary
Dr. Kenneth A. DeLuca, Ph.D., a distinguished psychologist, educational leader, Catholic deacon, and recipient of the Ohio Psychological Association Award for Excellence, who was also instrumental in contributing to the foundation of behavioral health services throughout Lorain County, died unexpectedly on May 23, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. He was 79 years old.
In 1985, he founded Kenneth A. DeLuca, Ph.D. and Associates, Inc., an interdisciplinary psychological practice that grew over the years to span offices across Lorain, Cuyahoga, and Erie counties. For over three decades, Dr. DeLuca led a team of specialists, whom dedicated themselves toward helping individuals of all ages live healthier, happier, and more productive lives. Through the years he served as a consultant to several agencies, including the Lorain County Court System, and he held privileges at many area hospitals. For years, North Ridgeville Community Care was a passion to Dr. DeLuca. Most recently, Dr. DeLuca was serving on the Board of Directors for Riveon Mental Health and Recovery.
Born in Little Italy and raised on Cleveland’s east side, Dr. DeLuca devotedly committed his life to public service, education, and mental health. He graduated from Cathedral Latin High School and went on to earn his Master’s Degree from John Carroll University and his Doctorate in Psychology from The University of Akron. Early in his career he served as the Superintendent of North Ridgeville City Schools.
He also served as an adjunct professor at John Carroll University, Baldwin Wallace University, and The University of Akron.
In 2004, Dr. Kenneth A. DeLuca was ordained a Catholic deacon. He enthusiastically embraced this role within his faith and truly modeled the ideal of being a man for others.
Dr. DeLuca’s love for life and people was immense. He was genuine in all he did and his contributions to the communities in which he worked and served are immeasurable and leave a revered legacy. As impressionable as his work was, his personality was bigger. His presence and laughter could fill a room and he possessed an innate ability to listen and let others feel heard.
His absence will be felt by many, but none more than those he held closest, his family members. His memory and life is survived by his wife Janice, daughter Nicole (Brian), his son David (Sarah), his son Jeferson (Kathy), his grandchildren: Chase, Siena, Daniel, Sicilia, and Enzo. He is also survived by brother Anthony DeLuca (Doris), brother-in-law David Bahr (Noreen), his sister-in-law Gail Rosenquist (John), as well as host of beloved nieces and nephews.
A Vespers Service will be held on Monday, June 1 at St. Julie Billiart Catholic Church, 5500 Lear Nagle Rd., North Ridgeville at 3:00PM. Visitations will follow from 4:00 -7:00pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Tuesday, June 2 at 11AM at St. Julie Billiart Catholic Church. Burial will be at St Joseph Cemetery, Avon with a reception to follow at Tom’s Country Place, Avon. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dr. DeLuca’s memory to Riveon Mental Health and Recovery at https://riveonhealth.org and clicking on the donation tab, or can be mailed to 6140 S. Broadway, Lorain, OH 44053.
St. Joseph
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