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302-478-7100 Wilmington & Hockessin, DE

Louis “Lou” J. DeSeta

Surrounded by family, Louis J. DeSeta, Age 79, of Bear, DE passed away peacefully on Monday, September 30, 2024.

Lou was predeceased by his parents, Vincent Sr. and Inez, and his brother, Tony.

In 1965, Lou enlisted in the Army. After completing jump school training at Ft. Ord California, he was deployed to Vietnam where he served two tours of duty. During his first tour, Lou served with both the 82nd and 173rd Airborne units. During his second tour, he transferred into the Special Forces MACV-SOG unit. Because of his combat actions while serving with this unit, Lou has been highlighted in several books detailing his unit. He was honorably discharged in 1968.

Forty-three years would pass before Lou received formal recognition for his service with the MACV-SOG covert military unit. He received two Bronze Stars, including one with a “V” for Valor, and an Army Commendation Medal.

Recently, Lou and four fellow MACV-SOG veterans visited the Pentagon and the CIA, where they were recognized for their participation in covert operations while in Vietnam.

Upon returning from his military service, Lou worked as an iron worker for Chicago Bridge and Iron for a few years before joining the Boilermakers Local 13. After 30 years of service, he retired from the boilermakers in 2001. Lou loved to load up his motorcycle in his customized, self-loading van and head out West to attend the annual Special Operations reunions held in Las Vegas. He would make several stops along the way, unload his bike and ride with fellow bikers he met during his travels.

Lou also took two trips to Australia.  On both occasions, as he traveled throughout the country, he was hosted by several Australian Vietnam vets whose friendships he cherished throughout the years.

As part of the ongoing efforts to properly honor and recognize the service of Vietnam Special Forces veterans, Lou gave an interview in 2010 to the Special Operations History Museum. This video of his interview is a 20-minute excerpt from a longer two-hour interview and can be viewed here.

Lou is survived by his son, Jimmy, daughter, April and granddaughter, Alana. He is also survived by his brother, Vincent, Jr. and wife, Kass, sister, Marie DeSeta and 5 nieces (Inez/Carl  Tarrach, Carrie Quinn, Kayla/Buck Harper, Carla Tarrach and McKenzie Harper) and 3 nephews (Garrett Quinn, Ben Quinn and Noah Harper).

The DeSeta family would like to thank Lou’s boilermaker buddies, their wives and children, his military brothers and all the friends and relatives who visited or called during his final days. We extend our most heartfelt gratitude to Bob and Teresa Carrow who stayed by our sides during Lou’s final hours. Witnessing how all of you surrounded Lou with love has comforted our family during this sorrowful time.

A visitation will take place on Tuesday, October 15, 2024 at 10:00 AM at Chandler Funeral Home, 2506 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE 19803, with a memorial service beginning at 12:00 PM. Interment will follow at Cathedral Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, our family requests that donations in memory of Lou be made to the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 83, 536 Beech Tree Lane, Hockessin, DE 19707.

 

Funeral Services

A visitation will take place on Tuesday, October 15, 2024 at 10:00 AM at Chandler Funeral Home, 2506 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE 19803, with a memorial service beginning at 12:00 PM. Interment will follow at Cathedral Cemetery.

Condolences

    Jeanette Collins writes,
    You were truly the best Pop pop to my children and greatest father figure in my life. You will truly be missed and never forgotten. Sending my love to the entire family. We love you all..The Collins Family
    10/09/2024 11:01 am
    Joe Noble writes,
    Rest in Peace Lou, My sincere condolence to Vince and Marie
    10/09/2024 11:17 am
    Tony Delfino writes,
    Lou was one of my customers at the Bear Post Office. He would always wait in line until I was available and then came up to my counter. We talked briefly every time he came in usually to pick up a package that wouldn't fit in his post office box. Occasionally, Lou would bring in some antiques from his days in the war to show me and let me hold them. What a great guy. Definitely one of my all-time favorite customers. RIP Lou.
    10/09/2024 11:30 am
    Dennis LaFazia writes,
    Lou was a neighbor of mine when we lived in Rolling Meadows in Bear, DE. He was one of the nicest guys that I have ever met, When I found out that he was a Special Forces soldier (Green Beret) as I was, we become instant friends. It is sad to hear of his passing. He will be remembered by many and always be held up in honor for his great service to our country. My friend, may you rest in peace! Dennis LaFazia
    10/09/2024 12:29 pm
    Bob Ryan writes,
    Rest in Peace Lou Peg and I send our thoughts and prayers to Lou's family. Marie and Vince our condolences and thoughts and prayers.
    10/09/2024 12:52 pm
    Harold Riggs lit a candle and writes,
    Our condolences & prayers for your family, friend’s & comrades!! May each one be Blessed by our Heavenly Father & given peace & comfort during this difficult journey in life ! Airborne …All the Way, 173d Abn. Assoc. South Carolina Chapter 30 !!🙏💗🕯️
    10/09/2024 05:24 pm
    Gino Madotta
    10/10/2024 01:27 am
    Gino Madotta
    10/10/2024 01:38 am
    GARY and Barbara ILES writes,
    Condolences to the family and friends close or afar. I was sorry to hear of the passing Of Lou De Seta .After reading the wonderful obituary there was a lot to digest. Our thoughts and prayers are with Lou , a true Hero ,family and friends. Eternal rest grant unto Him and let perpetual light shine upon His soul.
    10/10/2024 04:47 pm
    Patrick and Carol and Tracey Watkins writes,
    Lou, it will never be the same without you. You brought so much light into our lives. You were Pat's great friend and right-hand man in combat and could always be counted on for his valor and leadership. He also kept us all laughing about his stories as a youth in Delaware. Our daughter, Tracey, always referred to him as her lost Uncle and confidant. He was always there to listen - she will miss that always. We looked forward to his phone calls - always full of hope and laughter. There will always be only 'one Lou' - we were so lucky to have him in our lives. Until we meet again in the big landing zone above, may divine light shine upon your soul so that you may rest in everlasting peace. The Watkins family, Patrick, Carol and Tracey.
    10/10/2024 07:43 pm
    Annie Monaghan lit a candle and writes,
    Louie, Louie, Louie, Lou-I, you were an especially supportive friend to me in years gone by. A special person, a true American soldier and hero. I just ran across the pics of you and your Harley a few days ago. You will always be remembered fondly by me. Thank you for being my friend. Blessings to the DeSeta Family.
    10/11/2024 10:48 am
    Campbell Family writes,
    Thinking of you all during this difficult time. Your family has touched the lives of many. Lou and the DeSeta family have been there for our family for 50+ years. Lou helped me learn to ride my first bike. He opened his door when I would lock myself out of the house so I could wait until my parents arrived home. I would sit at his mom's kitchen table with candy from the store that he would share. Always smiling, Lou would ask how the family is or how's your dad and mom when he saw me at baseball games with my kids. He spotted me at Costco one day and flagged me down just to chat. Always a man of his word. He would do anything for you. Lou, you will be missed. I will never forget our penny candy moments or our front porch meetings while you bought girl scout cookies.
    10/11/2024 03:12 pm
    Phil & Mary Lou Kempista writes,
    May Lou rest in ever lasting peace and our sincere condolences Vince, Marie and family. 🙏
    10/14/2024 09:38 am
    Camillo Dibiaso D lit a candle and writes,
    Lou R.I.P. you will be missed by many, because you were a Great Person in every possible way anyone who met you will never forget you, I know that I will never forget because all the things we did together over the many years all the people we meet the people you introduced me too over the years in your journeys and mission you were on in life especially Veterans Family and Friends I could write a book . Lou you will always be in my mind ,thoughts ,prayers forever and thats the way I want to Remember You Lou J DeSeta A Great Person Patriot, Love and Miss You Memories Forever D
    10/14/2024 11:33 am
    Louie Defilippis lit a candle and writes,
    My Thoughts and Prayers, go out to Vince and Marie, and the Family and Friends of Lou , He was a Good Friend to Our Family , I can remember when I was a little Boy, every Christmas, Lou would bring my Grandmom over some Provolone Cheese and a Bottle of Wine !! He was a Good Hearted Man , He also helped get me get a job, on Permit with the Boilermakers during a Shutdown once at the refinery !! May You Rest in Peace Lou !!
    10/14/2024 02:29 pm
    Lynwood (Pete) Romano lit a candle and writes,
    My brother Wayne and I offer our thoughts and prayers to all of Lous family, April, Jimmy, Vince< Kass and Marie. Growing up living a half block from Lou we enjoyed a lot of childhood memories. He was a great and humble man and a great, dedicated soldier. It will be ever in my memory, summer of 1968, got a message while in Cu Chi Viet Nam that Lou had gotten a 3 day in country leave and was grabbing a hop south to come and see me south to spend that time with me. Three days i will never forget. 9000 miles from home to see someone who lived half a block from you. Rest in peace my friend
    10/14/2024 06:31 pm
    Mary ellen petrucci topor writes,
    So sorry to hear about your loss. I remember him many many years ago. We were over his mother's house. Mary ellen petrucci topor
    10/14/2024 07:14 pm
    Frank Ferriola writes,
    Sorry for the loss of your brother. May the peace of God be with you and your family.
    10/14/2024 07:28 pm
    David Batchelder lit a candle and writes,
    In memory of a great man and Godfather, With all my love, David Batchelder.
    10/15/2024 08:36 am
    Jonn Trizila writes,
    RIP BROTHER, DOL 🇺🇸
    10/16/2024 07:22 am
    Alex DeSeta writes,
    Lou you will be missed but I know you are watching over us! It takes a village to raise a child, thank you for your endless care and guidance, I would not be the man I am today. Rest easy, we have the watch now! RLTW…
    10/16/2024 10:07 pm

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