Remembering Delmo "Del" Della-Dora
Today we raise a glass to our dear friend and fellow Hayward Rotarian, Del Della-Dora. His was a life of extraordinary kindness and service. He touched countless lives through his work as an educator, advocate, and friend. He selflessly gave his time and talent to worthy causes like the Ruby's Place shelter for domestic violence victims, the Salvation Army, the Eden Area League of Women Voters, and many, many other local organizations and people. As a Rotarian, Del was equally extraordinary as a board member, past president, and an Outstanding Rotarian of the year. We are deeply grateful and proud to have known and worked alongside Del over many years. We dearly miss him now that he is gone. Rest in peace, dear friend.
OBITUARY
Delmo "Del" Della-Dora passed away on Tuesday, December 22, 2015, after a short, but intense battle with cancer. He was 89 years old.
Del was born in Michigan, graduated from high school, and served 18 months in the US Navy as an officer prior to returning to Michigan with his wife, Nadine and stepdaughter, Marilyn. He earned a Bachelors Degree in Chemistry from the University of Michigan, followed by a Masters and Doctorate degree in Education from Wayne State University while working part-time as a chemist, his family expanded to include three additional daughters.
In 1965 Del was invited by USAID to head a project in the Somali Republic to develop the first National Teacher Education Center. Following his return from Somalia he had five special assignments in Michigan, one of which included decentralization of the Detroit Public Schools.
Del retired from Wayne County Schools in 1971. He moved to Mill Valley the following year to become the principal of Mill Valley Middle School. He later joined the faculty of Cal State Hayward. He retired a second time in 1992, as Professor Emeritus, to become a full time community volunteer.
Throughout all of Del’s professional and volunteer activities in which he participated, whether as a leader or participant, he demonstrated beliefs, ideals and behaviors that he believed are needed to live effectively and compassionately in a democracy. Del exemplified the values of service and kindness to those less fortunate by assuming leadership roles in numerous community agencies such as Hayward Rotary Club, the Salvation Army, Ruby’s Place, Hayward’s Task Force to End Homelessness, and St. Rose Hospital Board of Directors. His abilities and compassionate nature will be missed many friends and family and those he helped.
Del’s wife, Nadine, preceded his death on September 25, 2011. Del is survived by his three daughters, Denise Della-Dora of San Mateo, her daughter Amy DeLaCruz and granddaughter Nica Della-Dora; Joan McLain and husband, Rick, of La Quinta, California; Diane Cardinalli and her husband, Carl, of Rancho Mirage, their daughters Kristen Cardinalli and her two sons, AJ and Andrew; and Andria Cardinalli Stein, her husband, Josh, and three grandchildren, Renn, Cole and Auden.
Del will be missed by innumerable family, close friends, and former colleagues and community volunteers. He will be remembered as a role model, mentor, leader, and friend.
Delmo "Del" Della-Dora Memorial
Saturday, January 23rd
3:00 p.m.
First Presbyterian Church
2490 Grove Way
Castro Valley CA 94546
First Presbyterian Church
2490 Grove Way
Castro Valley CA 94546
* Service Above Self *