David Paul Delia, 47, of Newtown died August 1. He was born August 8, 1967, in New Jersey, to Barbara and Anthony Delia. He leaves behind his wife, Karen, and their children, George, Alessandra, Hannah, Cameo, and Colby.

Barbara and Anthony Delia and their family moved to Redding in 1969, where the children grew up and graduated from Joel Barlow High School. 

Dave Delia moved, with his wife and children, to Newtown, in 1998.

At the age of 19, Mr Delia had opened a tree care and landscaping business, and began what would turn out to be the perfect profession for him. He always preferred to be outdoors in the weather, embracing the ever-changing demands and breathtaking unpredictability of Mother Nature. He took great pleasure in collaborating with his customers and working with his wife and son to find and allow the unique qualities in every property to grow and evolve beautifully.

Mr Delia’s proudest moments in life, though, were all about his kids. He loved being a dad and hoped, by example, to instill in his sons and daughters that love, kindness, integrity, humility, and hard work are the way to happiness and fulfillment.

As well as his wife, children, and parents, his brother Daniel Delia, and his wife Jennifer, of Newtown; his sister Laura Mario, and her husband Tyler, of Southbury; and five nieces and a nephew survive Mr Delia.

The family offers heartfelt thanks to Mr Delia’s collaborators in his long fight against brain cancer, and to friends, family, and total strangers in the community and beyond, who shared strength, love, and immeasurable support. The family also thanks Drs Shahid and Cohenuram in Danbury and Dr Becker and nurse Chris at Yale for recognizing in Mr Delia his strength and courage in staring down this monster, and giving him the opportunity to fight as hard as he wanted. Finally, thanks are offered to all at Regional Hospice and Home Care of Western Connecticut, for their warmth and caring in the last weeks.

A memorial service in celebration of Mr Delia’s life will take place Sunday, August 23, at 2 pm, at The First Church of Christ Congregational, 25 Cross Highway, Redding. Reception to follow in the church hall.  All are welcome.

Mr Delia’s family would like to suggest that instead of sending flowers, an act of kindness be performed in his memory.