United States Army Sgt. Steven Joseph DeLuzio was born on February 25, 1985, in Hartford, Connecticut and raised in South Glastonbury, where he was known from a young age for his easy smile, competitive spirit, and deep loyalty to family and friends. An avid athlete and natural leader, Steven co-captained the Glastonbury High School ice hockey team to a state championship in 2003, where teammates and coaches described him as the “ultimate teammate.” His leadership extended beyond sports into academics and community life, and he served as freshman class secretary during his early school years — a sign of his emerging leadership qualities.

After high school, Steven pursued higher education at Hofstra University and Norwich University before transferring to the University of Hartford, where he graduated cum laude in 2009 with a degree in accounting. Following college, he worked as an accountant with J.H. Cohn in Glastonbury, balancing his civilian career with his commitment to the National Guard.

Following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, Steven felt a strong call to serve — one he shared with his older brother, Sgt. Scott DeLuzio. Both brothers enlisted in the United States Army National Guard, with Steven joining the Vermont National Guard’s 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team in 2004. His first deployment came in January 2006 to Ramadi, Iraq, where he served with distinction under combat conditions and earned the Combat Infantryman Badge, Army Commendation Medal, and Navy Unit Citation for his service there.

After returning from Iraq, Steven continued to serve with dedication and completed training, including the Warrior Leadership Course and Combat Life Saver Training in 2009, strengthening his tactical and leadership skills as an infantry noncommissioned officer. In March 2010, he deployed with his unit to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, embracing the mission with the same heart and commitment that had defined his service from the beginning.

On August 22, 2010, while conducting combat operations in Paktika Province, Afghanistan, Sgt. DeLuzio was engaged in a fierce firefight with insurgent forces when he lost his life while serving at the age of 25. He had just 19 days remaining before his scheduled return home, a fact he noted with hope on social media the day before the battle that would take his life.

Steven was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, NATO Ribbon, Combat Infantryman Badge, and Army Good Conduct Medal in recognition of his bravery, leadership, and sacrifice in Afghanistan. His service honors reflect the profound impact of his commitment to mission and fellow Soldiers in multiple theaters of conflict.

Beyond his military service, Steven’s life was rich with personal connection and community involvement. He was an avid sports fan, passionate about the New York Yankees and Boston Bruins and actively supported Glastonbury Little League, both as an umpire and a coach, helping local children develop skills and confidence. Those who knew him recall his protective nature, compassion, and the way he reached out to others — whether on the playing field, in the classroom, or on patrol overseas.

Steven’s family — his parents, Mark C. and Diane (Lysik) DeLuzio; his brother Sgt. Scott and sister-in-law Victoria DeLuzio; his fiancée, Leeza Gutt, whom he planned to marry in September 2011; his grandfather, Joseph Lysik; his nephew Adam DeLuzio; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends — continue to honor his memory through scholarships, memorial funds, and community events that celebrate his life and service.

Thousands attended memorial services in Connecticut at St. Paul Church in Glastonbury, where Steven was laid to rest with full military honors at Holy Cross Cemetery, reflecting the profound respect and affection of family, friends, service members, and community leaders alike. Flags across the state were ordered flown at half-staff by the Governor as a tribute to his service and sacrifice.

Dates:
• Birth: February 25, 1985 — Hartford, Connecticut
• Angelversary: August 22, 2010 — Paktika Province, Afghanistan

Service & Achievements:
• United States Army Sergeant, Infantry, Alpha Company, 3rd Battalion, 172nd Infantry, 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Mountain), Vermont Army National Guard
• Served in Operation Iraqi Freedom (Ramadi, Iraq, 2006)
• Served in Operation Enduring Freedom (Paktika Province, Afghanistan, 2010)
• Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, NATO Ribbon, Army Good Conduct Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge
• Graduate Cum Laude, University of Hartford (Accounting)

United States Army Sgt. Steven J. DeLuzio’s life stands as a powerful testament to leadership, loyalty, and a deep commitment to others — virtues that defined both his military service and his lasting impact on family, friends, and community.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.