Robert Lee "Del" Delich

Bob or Del, 77, of Great Falls, Montana passed away Thursday, April 7, 2016 from kidney failure at Benefis Hospital.A celebration of his life will be held Saturday, April 16, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at Hillcrest Lawn Memorial Chapel.Del was born in Butte, Montana on May 11, 1938 to Robert Mitchell and Josephine (Vukovich) Delich. He grew up in Butte and was very proud of his Serbian heritage.Del graduated from the University of Montana in 1966. He married Ruth Ann Salusso on June 11, 1967. They raised three daughters. He was supportive of all their activities. Del taught Spanish, P.E. and coached basketball in Fort Benton, MT for three years. He then became a District Manager for Combined Insurance Company for over 35 years. He was very successful and won many sales awards.Del struggled with Parkinsons disease for many years but seldom complained. He enjoyed music, TV and sports. His favorite teams were the 49ers, Yankees and Lakers. He also enjoyed time with his family and helping raise his grandchildren.Del was a generous, smart man with a great sense of humor! He was always the life of the party. His motto at work and in life was I feel healthy, happy and terrific! We will miss him our Poppy very much.He is survived by his supportive wife, Ruth Ann of 48 years; his three daughters, Tara Salusso of New York City, NY, Danika Delich Ellington and Delena Delich of Great Falls, MT; grandchildren Justin, Joplin, Mila and Evan; his sisters, Beverly Delich of Vancouver, B.C. and Jerri Gertson of Great Falls, MT; a special cousin Mona Neary Kriskovich; along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.He was preceded in death by his parents.In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Dels name to Central MT Parkinsons Support Group, 1200 32nd Street South #25, Great Falls, MT 59405 or the Great Falls Rescue Mission, 326 2nd Avenue South, Great Falls, MT 59405.