Chandler Funeral Homes & Crematory Logo

302-478-7100 Wilmington & Hockessin, DE

Peter Thomas Dalleo

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.

Funeral Services

Graveside services will be conducted at Wilmington and Brandywine Cemetery on Sat. Nov. 6 at 2:00 p.m. Live steam is available on Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84040016585pwd=dGh0dnlWUWQ2Ny8rZG9KRTJtUTNpdz09 or by Meeting ID: 840 4001 6585 & Passcode: 681473

Condolences

    Mary Anne Beale writes,
    My deepest love to all of you. Peter touched our family in so many lovely ways. He is missed.
    10/30/2021 02:39 pm
    Barbara Bergman writes,
    Peter was one of the most special people I‘ve ever met. Kind, funny, generous with time and talent. He will be missed
    10/31/2021 02:22 pm
    Cindy Oglesby Jeanfreau lit a candle and writes,
    Many fond memories from my brothers (Trey, Rick and Doug) and I for all the teachable moments together at Tatnall. Dr. Dalleo will be truly missed.
    11/01/2021 09:39 am
    Claudia Balassone Biggie writes,
    Peter and I were classmates through elementary and high school. Peter was a serious student and great friend with a sharp wit and unfailing humor; truly a Gentleman and a Scholar. Rest In Peace, the world will be less without you.
    11/01/2021 10:38 am
    Christine Grott lit a candle and writes,
    Holding this family in the Light. . . I loved attending Pete Dalleo's community lectures as part of the Underground Railroad Coalition of Delaware and at the Wilmington Friends Meeting House events. I didn't know him personally, but his love of History and humanity shined brightly when he lectured.
    11/01/2021 10:41 am
    Ashley Cloud writes,
    Peter, your passion, generosity, and humor touched and inspired so many, myself included. What a blessing to have known you even for a brief time. Your legacy will endure and I send prayers with lots of love and strength for your family. You will be deeply missed.
    11/01/2021 11:36 am
    Betty Lou Whittaker writes,
    Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Rest In Peace Peter.
    11/01/2021 12:23 pm
    Jonine Figueroa lit a candle and writes,
    Dearest Dalleo family and friends, My heartfelt condolences on the loss of Pete Dalleo. I know these days have been harder than most but I hope that you can take comfort in happy memories—these will last forever. Lots of hugs in this challenging time. Jonine and Jeff
    11/01/2021 01:06 pm
    Victor kirby writes,
    I was very fortunate to have Dr Dalleo as headmaster for the one year I attended tatnall. As he did all of his students he definitely left an impression on me that was carried on through life. RIP Doc
    11/01/2021 01:09 pm
    Joseph Valastro writes,
    My sincere condolences to family and friends. I remember Peter from our days in Downtown Poughkeepsie and Our Lady of Lourdes High School. A very intelligent, kind and caring individual. May he Rest in Peace.
    11/02/2021 07:20 am
    Donald Sherman and Family writes,
    Fran, Mike, Remy, Vivienne and Family: We are so sorry for your loss. Your Dad and Nonno was a bright light for so many and we are keeping you and your family in prayer. Love, Donald, Cate, Caleb and Aria Sherman
    11/02/2021 11:45 pm
    Mark Moller writes,
    I am a former student of Dr. Dalleo, and remember him fondly. He was a wise teacher and an excellent institutional leader. Condolences to the Dalleo family.
    11/03/2021 03:15 pm
    The Tatnall Class of 1996 lit a candle and writes,
    Until we meet again… Your memory will forever live on in all the students you touched. Rest In Peace, Doc.
    11/03/2021 03:36 pm
    Kara Gredell lit a candle and writes,
    When I think of my time at Tatnall, a strong memory that stands out is Dr. Dalleo's infectious smile and his natural ability to connect with every student. Condolences to the entire Dalleo family .
    11/03/2021 05:04 pm
    Howard Read writes,
    I am so saddened that the community has lost such a wonderful man. I am a former student of Dr. Dalleo at Tatnall. Though I was not a passionate student of Social Studies (!), I nevertheless was a big fan of Dr. Dalleo and his even approach and intellectual rigor. I got such a big kick of reading the stories here. His dry and quick sense of humor always made you think! I remember his voice the most: an assertive and authoritative voice that would always get your attention. RIP, Doc.
    11/03/2021 05:32 pm
    Krista Pilot writes,
    Dr Dalleo had such a positive influence on me during my Upper School years. He was always available to listen, and offered his sometimes tough advice but with a smile. I loved his classes and appreciated how he maintained his own intellectual pursuits and brought those passions to the classroom. My sympathies to the Dalleo family. Please know that his work has had a lasting impact on so many students.
    11/03/2021 05:43 pm
    Heather O'Donnell writes,
    Dr. Dalleo was a caring teacher, a thoughtful advisor, and a powerful example. We were so lucky to have him, as students, and I was so happy to see him again at our 30th reunion a couple of years ago. Much love to all the Dalleos.
    11/04/2021 09:07 am
    Robert E Seeley writes,
    Love, Peace and Comfort to family. I enjoyed reading and listening to his lectures on the Underground Railroad. Awesome teacher !!!!
    11/06/2021 08:53 am
    Yolana Hernandez lit a candle and writes,
    It was a pleasure having you in our Parkinson's class at the Hockessin PAL. Everyone in the group will miss you a greatly. My condolences to family and friends who will no longer have you in their lives. Yolanda
    11/06/2021 03:33 pm
    Berlatsky family writes,
    We are so sorry for your loss. He was a special man with a special family. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
    11/07/2021 09:56 am
    Adam Doherty lit a candle and writes,
    Among many fine teachers at Tatnall, Doc Dalleo is remembered fondly by all. Always energetic and interested in all things academic, I remember him always having a smile. Adam, Tatnall '86
    11/08/2021 07:52 pm
    Peter Bookman writes,
    My deepest condolences to all the Dalleo family. I will always remember the kindness that Peter showed me from the first day we met at Tatnall. I will be making a donation to the Food Bank of Delaware in his memory.
    11/09/2021 01:05 pm
    Blaine Collison writes,
    My deepest condolences to the Dalleo family. Doc was a wonderful, gracious, and infallibly good-humored teacher. I also had Bruce for at least one class: Team Dalleo has had a lasting, positive impact on me. I've thought often of the teachers I had in the Tatnall Upper School, and I owe them all a lot. Thank you, Peter, and RIP. Blaine, Tatnall '85.
    11/20/2021 10:54 am
    Jane Terry writes,
    Bruce, I just became aware of your loss. I do remember Peter giving 2 lectures in the New Castle Court House. I knew he had quite the reputation as a marvelous historian and teacher. I am sorry for this great loss. I pray you're coping. Holidays make it tough. Stay strong.
    11/24/2021 04:58 pm

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

When you "Light a Candle" the candle image is posted with your condolence.

Thank You

Your online condolence will appear once approved by our site administrator.