October 19, 1950 – February 15, 2024
Francis Gerard D’Elia (“Gerry”) died on February 15, 2024 at his beloved home in Park City, Utah. He was 73 years old. Born to Vivian Florence Harris and Francis Lee D’Elia on October 19, 1950, Gerry was the eldest of three children. He was born in Jersey City, New Jersey and grew up in Monroe, New York. In his early twenties he traveled West via motorcycle to fulfill his passion of skiing and landed in the Salt Lake City area.
While skiing and backpacking around the Rockies, Gerry also obtained a Bachelor Degree in mathematics from the University of Utah in 1978 and in 1981 received his Juris Doctorate from the University of Utah School of Law. He became an arson expert and worked on the Mark Hoffman bombings in the 1980s (often referred to as the “Mormon murders”) and gained notoriety as the cynical, street-smart, hard charging young blood who loved a challenge and wouldn’t back down. In addition to being a well respected criminal defense attorney, Gerry knew how to have fun and enjoyed many hobbies including playing guitar, sailing, fishing, making stained glass, cooking, beekeeping, golfing, skiing, and cracking jokes.
Gerry will be missed by all who loved and knew him. He is survived by his daughter Gabriela Michelotti, of Kingston, New York; his stepson Bryan Pugh, of Orangeburg, South Carolina; his siblings Brian D’Elia of Del Ray, Florida, and Vivian D’Elia of Sarasota, Florida, and his yellow lab Bonzo the Wonderdog. Gerry was “Grandpa Gerry” to one grandchild, Lara Pugh of Bamberg, South Carolina. He was a loving father, grandfather, and sibling who instilled a sense of adventure, creativity, and humor.
Read Gerry’s full obituary at www.peelfuneralhome.com.
Gerry’s Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, April 20th 2024 at the The Lodges in Deer Valley, the Spruce Room, 2900 Deer Valley Dr E #201, Park City, UT, 84060, from 1-4pm.