Peter Thomas Dalleo, of Wilmington, Delaware, passed away on October 26, 2021 after a years-long battle with Parkinson’s Disease. He was 76.
Peter, born in Poughkeepsie, New York, was son of Joseph M. Dalleo and Elsie Baker Dalleo. His favorite childhood memories include reading Last of the Mohicans and Rip Van Winkle, about his beloved Hudson Valley. He attended Our Lady of Lourdes in Poughkeepsie, and captained an 0-17 basketball team that produced 6 teammates with PhDs – a source of great pride to Peter. He treasured a newspaper account of his fiercest game, noting, “Pete Dalleo, who drove through Beacon’s defense time after time, led with 19 points. Pete Dalleo then faked the entire Beacon team out of the gym, and drove in with a beautiful lay up.”
He attended Iona College in New Rochelle, New York, and as Vice-President of the student body in 1966, was tapped to return the Fordham Ram after it was kidnapped by Iona in a collegiate rivalry before a game. Such was Peter’s reputation as a negotiator and a straight-shooter! He received a PhD in African History in 1975 from Syracuse University, where he met his wife Bruce in history classes. He taught courses in African history, Caribbean history, and European history at the College of the Bahamas, University of the West Indies, Le Moyne College, and University of Delaware. Peter spent his life conducting scholarly research on African, Caribbean, and African American topics, producing dozens of articles, becoming a trusted resource and expert on African American history in Delaware. His research interests led Peter to live in Nairobi, Kenya, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and Nassau, The Bahamas in the 1970s. His knowledge of the Somali in Kenya, his dissertation topic, led the casting director for the movie Out of Africa to call and enlist his judgment in casting a Somali as a member of Karen Blitzen’s house staff. At the outset of the phone call, Peter is believed to have said, “OK Battle, I know it’s you, stop messing around with me.”
He taught for 17 years at Tatnall School, and served as head of the history department, Head of the Upper School, and Interim Headmaster. Affectionately known at Tatnall as Doc, he loved his interactions with students in school and after graduations. Peter then worked from 1995-2012 as Clerk of Court for the Federal District Court of Delaware. Nothing thrilled him more than to run into his former students on Market Street or to induct a former student into the Delaware Bar. He was awarded the Delaware Association of Public Administration’s 2012 Public Service Award.
Even as his Parkinson’s Disease worsened, Peter never lost his great sense of humor, quick wit, and one-liners. At the family Lewes home, he fell, and sister-in-law Sherry said, “Oh Peter, can I help you up?” He retorted, “Don’t worry, I do this for a living…” And aides at Arden Court laughed that on a cool Sept. morning, he had bellowed, ”What the he—does anyone have to do to get heat around here?” and smiled slyly.
Peter is survived by his wife of over 50 years, Bruce Flournoy Dalleo, and son Rafe (Elena Machado) and daughter Francesca (Michael Graham). He was the beloved Nonno to grandchildren Leandro, Remy, Delfina, and Vivienne. He is also survived by siblings Carolyn Falzarano (Tony), Joseph (Jean), Anthony (Cindy), Michael (Mary Ann), Lisa Tyner (Dennis), and Cristina Crawford (John), and nieces and nephews. He will be missed by John, Sherry, John B, Jamie and Kim Flournoy as well. The family wishes to thank the staff at Arden Courts where he spent the last 11 weeks in respite care. They provided wonderful care.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Food Bank of Delaware or Doctors without Borders.
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