A Tribute To Our Founder, William P. DeLuca, Jr.

William P. "Bill" DeLuca Jr., 87, of Windham, NH, passed away on Wednesday, July 28, 2021, surrounded by his loving family at High Pointe Hospice House in Haverhill, MA. He was the beloved husband of Kathleen M. (Manning) DeLuca for 67 years.

Born and raised in Lawrence, the son of the late Dolores (Roy) and William P. DeLuca Sr., Bill graduated from Lawrence High School, class of 1951. He enlisted in the United States Navy and proudly served his country until his honorable discharge in 1954. Having married his sweetheart Kathleen in March of 1954, Bill was happy when he and Kathleen returned home and began their new adventures.

Before long, Bill became the owner of a local gas station in Lawrence. With a passion for cars, he soon began selling used cars as well. In 1960, his first new car franchises were Jeep and MG. In 1965, he became the Dodge and Jeep Dealer in Haverhill, MA. By 1970, he had sold the Dodge franchise and became the owner of a Chevrolet franchise also located in Haverhill, MA. In 1975, he had the opportunity to purchase Woodworth Motors and has continued to own that franchise. In the early 1960s, he was one of the first to lease automobiles and at one point was hired by Chrysler to train all their new car franchises on leasing. In 1978, he formed a daily rental company called Mr. Rent-A-Car-Lease-A-Car. Bill ran and operated that business having over 25 locations with local franchises. Eventually that business wound down when the need for consumer financing for those with subprime credit was realized called Auto-Use. As an offshoot of that business, he started a floor plan company lending money to used car dealers throughout the United States. In 1995, he was instrumental with the start of two more businesses. The Auto Auction of New England, a wholesale auto auction for new and used car dealers only to trade and sell automobiles. Later in that year, he incorporated Southern NH Bank and Trust, and has since changed the name to Bank of New England, and grown the bank to nine branches and $1.2 billion in assets. All companies combined today employ almost 500 people, most of which are longtime employees that have been with him for years.

A hard worker by nature, Bill was always looking to improve the experience of his customers and earn their respect. While not at work, he focused on family, always present for them and eager to offer a helping hand, he remained committed to them. He loved his time spent with his family, their meals together, their company during the holidays, a barbecue, or time spent together on their family trips, Bill cherished all those memories. Evenings of playing 45s, bowling, playing tennis, and golfing offered him the opportunity to spend time with his many friends, which he enjoyed so much. He loved football and became friends with early Patriot's legends Babe Parelli, Gino Cappelletti and Larry Eisenhower to name a few. He was a lifetime season ticket holder and went to every Superbowl game. He loved his annual trips to Las Vegas and Puerto Rico with his dear friends the Niceforos, Guerreras, Tallmans, Torrisis and the Gills. In 1970, he become personal friends with Hall of Famer John Buyck and his wife Ann and traveled to their summer home in Canada. His favorite charity was Greater Lawrence Boys and Girls Club. As a member himself at a young age, he wanted to give those kids an opportunity.

In addition to his parents, Bill was predeceased by his son, Joseph. He will be missed by and is survived by his children, William P. DeLuca III and his wife Maz of Windham, NH, Marybeth Finn and her husband Paul of Andover, MA, and Lisa A. Drew and her husband Robert Drew Jr. of Andover, MA; grandchildren, William P. DeLuca IV and his wife Julianna, Kristen R. Picardi and her husband Anthony, Anthony J. DeLuca and his wife Ashley, Steven J. DeLuca and his wife Allison, Marisa K. DeLuca, Hayley Finn, 1st LT. Brian Finn USMC, Garrett Finn, Jack Finn, Nicholas R. Drew, Robert M. Drew, Annalisa Drew, Jacqueline R. Drew; siblings, Marie Parker of Homeland, CA, Dolores Collier of Antrim, NH, Bernadine Joyce Marcin and her husband Billy Dean Cornelius of Windham, NH, Albert DeLuca and his wife Joyce of Methuen, MA, Laureen Terry and her husband Thomas of Windham, NH, Nanci Caughlin and her husband Kevin of Laconia, NH; 12 great-grandchildren; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Donations in lieu of flowers may be made in Bill's memory to the Lawrence Boys and Girls Club, 136 Water Street, Lawrence, MA 01841 or to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 101a 1st Avenue, Suite 6, Waltham, MA 02451.