Delph Albert Gustitus Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Born in Love’s Park, IL, on March 28, 1940, Delph graduated from Harlem High School and Tulane University on a golf scholarship, with a degree in mathematics. In 1962 he married Kathleen Ryan, of New Orleans, who is the mother of his three children. They divorced in 1975 and shortly thereafter he relocated to the Chicago area and married Dorene Pontikes in 1984. They lived in Palatine, IL, Roscoe, NY, Jupiter and Palm Beach Gardens, FL. Delph led a successful career in sales as an agent and manager for American Family Insurance. His greatest enjoyment was on the golf course — any golf course. He played golf into his 70s. He and Dorene enjoyed taking continuing education courses at a local university, traveling, and cheering on their Chicago Cubbies. Delph loved being a grandfather to each of his fourteen grandchildren, collectively known at “Poppy’s Peeps” and they loved him dearly. Known for his check-in texts with heart emojis and playful dinnertime teasing, Grandpa Delph always kept up with every milestone. Grandpa Delph, you spoiled us immensely and we are forever grateful for your support and love. We’ll miss our annual traditions and talks on the phone. Hope you’re eating plenty of mashed potatoes up there. We love you Poppy! The family Delph has left behind includes his two sons, Delph Jr and David; his daughter, Kristine; his daughters-in-law, Therese and Marjorie; his loving wife, Dorene; Dorene’s children Nick (Gwen), Vicki (George), Melissa (Mike); his sister, Sally (Jeff), and his 14 grandchildren Mikaela, Isabella, Gabriella, Madison, Katherine, Natalie, Eleanor, Kenny, Cassidy, Connor, Jillian, Jake, Alexa, and Kellen. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Delph’s memory to to the Jupiter Medical Center. A “Birthday” celebration for Delph will take place on March 28, 2020 in the Chicago area; details to follow.

Delph Albert Gustitus

March 28, 1940 - January 11, 2020