Craig "Rusty" Delanta

Craig (Rusty) Delanta, 77, of Weirton, passed away Thursday, December 26, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on December 13, 1947, in Steubenville, OH. He was the son of the late Francis “Buddy” Delanta and the late Dorothy (Milosevich) Delanta. His brother was the late Gary Delanta.

Rusty was a 1965 graduate of Catholic Central High School. He served in the Army from 1965-67 as a Sergeant in the Green Berets and was a Mortar Platoon Squad Leader. He was stationed in Vietnam, the DMZ, and Ft. Benning. He earned the Expert Marksmen’s Badge in M-14, M-16, and 4.2 Mortars, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Combat Infantry Badge, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal. On September 7, 1967, he returned home and shortly after met the love of his life, Carolyn (Ralston), which soon started a family together. He worked to provide for his family in the BOP of Weirton Steel for 35 years and retired as Pit Crew Chief.

Rusty was a devoted husband, Dad, Grandfather and Great-grandfather of all the loves of his life. He was a “family man” and looked forward to spending Sunday afternoons with his family over a nice homemade Italian lunch with a lot of love and laughter while watching football with the boys in his mancave.

Rusty leaves behind his devoted wife of 53 years, Carolyn (Ralston) Delanta. His children Jennifer Belt (John) and Shelley Delanta-Amos (Robert). His sister from California, Enola Gervais (Ray). His grandchildren were his pride and joy. He never missed a concert, game, or recital when it came to his grandbabies. He leaves behind: Ian Belt (Carly), Morgan Belt, Brock Burnett, and Eva Burnett. Great-Granddaughter, Lainey Belt. Step-grandchildren Jocelyn, Caleb, Joshua, and Amberly Amos. And must we not forget his faithful fur baby whom he adored, his Lucy Lou!

Rusty loved to go for rides on his Harley with his wife, friends and members of the Bikers for Christ; he loved to hunt and fish; he was an avid Notre Dame, Steelers, and Pirates fan; but most importantly, he was a faithful man who loved his Lord Jesus Christ. He attended Crossroads Christian Church in Wintersville, OH.

Rusty was so brave that he fought this battle until the last breath. Now he is being honored for his bravery in highest regard by spending eternity with our Lord, free from the pain he had to endure on earth.

Visitation will be held on Sunday from 3 PM until the time of his funeral service at 6 PM at the Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home, 3219 Main Street, Weirton.

Military Honors will be rendered at 6 PM on Sunday prior to the beginning of the service.

Pastor Timothy Groos will preside over the service.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in his memory to the Tony Teramana Cancer Center T.E.A.R. Fund.

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