Elvira "Elly" (Messina) Duca

Elvira “Elly” (Messina) Duca, 101, of Delmont died Friday, January 17, 2025.  She was born February 27, 1923 in Johnstown Pa, daughter of the late Antonio and Francesca (Arena) Messina. She was the beloved wife of the late John J. Duca.  In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a brother, Francesco and sisters, Dominica Ieni and Mary Kush.

She is survived by her children: JoAnne Rugh of Greensburg, Frances Stewart of Delmont, John P. Duca of Delmont, Marianne Parker of Greensburg, and Robert F. Duca (Debora) of Pittsburgh; grandchildren: Melissa Long (Kris), Christina Riffle (Toby), Randall Rugh (Julie), Daniel Rugh (John), Angela Pahlman (Jason), Keenen Parker (Sylvia), Nicholas Duca (Lauren), Alexis Wilson (Dale) and Jessica Mimidis (Ryan); great grandchildren: Gage, Isabella and Athena Pahlman, Natalie and Benjamin Duca, Ellie and Mae Rugh, Grace and Chase Wilson, Luca and One-on-the-way Mimidis, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. 

Elly was a graduate of Johnstown High School in 1941 and worked at Cover’s studio in Johnstown as a colorist. Prior to retirement she worked at Gee Bee Department store in Greensburg and was their Union Steward. She was a member of St John de LaSalle Catholic Church in Delmont.

At home, work or wherever she went, her intelligence, dry sense of humor and kindness drew people to her.  She fostered an unbreakable family bond that will live on for generations.  Though her passing, just short of her 102nd birthday, leaves a profound sadness. She lives on in the influence she had on others and the stories she told.

Friends will be received from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM on Friday January 24 in Delmont at Vaia Funeral Home, 463 Athena Drive Delmont.

A celebration of Elly's life will immediately follow at 12:30 PM, Friday at Vaia Funeral Home.

LIVE STREAM SERVICE OR VIEW ON DEMAND Link: evt.live/ellyduca

Entombment at Twin Valley Memorial Park Mausoleum, Delmont. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Elly Duca’s memory in honor of her late husband, John to the Alzheimer’s Association, Laurel Mountain Chapter, 1011 Old Salem Road, Greensburg PA 15601. 

Family entrusting funeral arrangements with Frank Duca Funeral Home Inc, Johnstown.

Please share memories and condolences online at www.ducafuneralhome.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Elvira "Elly" (Messina) Duca, please visit our floral store.