James Smith DeLo, Ph.D., 88, passed away Thursday, March 23, 2023, at his home. A recent resident of Williamston, S.C., he was a former longtime resident of Morgantown. Born in Pittsburgh on Nov. 15, 1934, he was the son of the late Paul A. and Adelaide Smith DeLo.
Dr. DeLo was a retired college professor. He graduated from Taylor Allderdice High School and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Thiel College in 1958. He attended Western Theological Seminary in Pittsburgh and the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Philadelphia. He served as a pastor for two churches in Pennsylvania. He then attended the University of Pittsburgh and earned a master’s degree in Education in 1963. He served as a high school teacher and school counselor in Wilkinsburg, Pa. for two years. He earned a Ph.D. in counselor education at the University of Pittsburgh in 1966 and then joined the faculty at West Virginia University as an assistant professor.
At West Virginia University, he designed and implemented several off-campus academic programs in adult development that enabled students to attend and obtain master’s degrees without being burdened by travel. He was recognized for these efforts with two national awards given by the National University Extension Association. In 1990, he was recognized by the College of Human Resources and Education with the Laddie Bell Distinguished Service Award. He was granted Emeritus status and retired as a full professor from West Virginia University in 2005.
In addition to his academic career, he was licensed as a psychologist in both West Virginia and Pennsylvania. He cared deeply for his wife and family. He loved to laugh and share his unique insight into people and current events. In his free time, he took on ambitious home remodeling projects, watched the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Clemson Tigers and the West Virginia Mountaineers, and conscientiously spent time each day searching for the TV remote.
Survivors include his faithful, loving wife of 62 years, Martha L. DeLo; and four sons, Gregory J. DeLo (Lisa Stanford) and their children, Savannah and Gavin DeLo; Dr. Jeffrey S. DeLo (Larissa) and their children, Gabrielle, Julia, Lauren and James DeLo; Dr. Douglas P. DeLo (Jennifer) and their children, Jason, Ryan and Adam DeLo; and Dr. Daniel L. DeLo (Tabitha) and their children, Jacob and Joshua DeLo. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Jean Jones, and a brother, Paul A. DeLo.
A memorial service will be held at Sullivan-King Mortuary Chapel at 11 a.m.on Saturday, April 15.
Condolences:
www.sullivanking.com
