Born: February 25, Hartford, CT
Died: August 22, 2010, Paktia Province, Afghanistan
Today, we remember and honor SGT Steven Joseph DeLuzio on what would have been his birthday, February 25. Born in Hartford, Connecticut, Steven’s life was a shining example of dedication and service.
From his early years in South Glastonbury, where he excelled in academics and sports, to his distinguished career in the military, Steven’s impact was profound. He graduated Cum Laude from the University of Hartford and worked as an accountant before his service in the U.S. Marine Corps and the Vermont National Guard.
Steven’s bravery and commitment were evident in his service during both his deployments—to Iraq in 2006 and Afghanistan in 2010. He received numerous honors, including the Bronze Star and Purple Heart, reflecting his valor and dedication.
As we commemorate Steven’s birthday, we celebrate his extraordinary life and the values he embodied. His memory lives on through his family, including his fiancée Leeza Gutt, his brother SGT Scott DeLuzio, and the many friends and loved ones who were touched by his kindness and courage.
On this special day, we reflect on Steven’s legacy and the indelible mark he left on the world. His spirit and sacrifice continue to inspire and remind us of the extraordinary impact one life can have.
I am not a veteran. I am a member of the Civil Air Patrol, the United States Air Force Auxiliary. But in 1991, personal loss brought me to a place I never left.
Over two decades later, that loss led me to the State Veterans Cemetery in Middletown, Connecticut, where I took on the coordination of Wreaths Across America — which grew into the largest and fastest growing veterans program in the state. I didn’t do it for recognition. I did it for them.
In 2016 I founded the Connecticut Veterans Bulletin. Not because I served, but because I believe those who did deserve to be honored, connected, and kept alive.
Twenty-two veterans die by suicide every day. I knew about that number before it became a hashtag. I knew it personally, long before anyone was talking about it.
This publication exists because that number is unacceptable. Because every veteran in Connecticut deserves to know someone gives a damn.
That someone is me.