OBITUARY: Marine Corp Vet, Cherished PawPaw Jeff Dellenberger Passed Away Peacefully March 13 at 76

Jeff lived a life defined by love, service and unwavering dedication to family, community and country

Jeffrey William Dellenberger: January 2, 1949 – March 13, 2025

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Jeff Dellenberger, a devoted husband, loving father, cherished PawPaw, and proud Marine Corps veteran, passed away peacefully on March 13, 2025, at the age of 76.

Born on January 2, 1949, Jeff lived a life defined by love, service, and unwavering dedication to his family, community, and country. As a Vietnam War veteran, he served with honor in the United States Marine Corps, embodying the values of courage, commitment, loyalty, resilience, and sacrifice. He loved serving America as a Marine and took immense pride in his service, carrying that honor with him throughout his life – Oorah!

For 55 beautiful years, he was the beloved husband of Linda Dellenberger, his steadfast partner in life and supportive 2nd mate on countless cruises. She has always been his best friend and his one true love. Their marriage has been a testament to devotion, built on a foundation of unwavering support and a love that only grew stronger with time. She has always been his rock, his greatest confidante, and together, they created a lifetime of cherished memories, including the birth of their only daughter in 1973.

Besides Linda, Jeff’s heart belonged entirely to his daughter, Dr. Monica Dellenberger Knight—his “brainchild” and the light of his life. He was beyond proud of her dedication to education and leadership, knowing she had devoted her life to building and leading amazing schools for children. He was always her biggest champion, offering his wisdom, encouragement, and unconditional love.

In 1997, he welcomed her husband, John Knight, into the family as his son. Jeff deeply respected and loved John as his own, seeing him as a fellow, dedicated, and loving husband and father.

In 2005, Jeff embraced his greatest role—Pawpaw—to his beloved grandchildren, Noble and Naomi Knight. He was deeply involved in their lives, from planning Disney trips and cruises to Alaska, Mexico, and the Caribbean, to attending their softball/baseball games and Raiders events, to celebrating all their major milestones and many holidays, to even buying them their first cars.

He was their biggest cheerleader (besides MawMaw!), always a guiding force and a constant source of love, laughter, and support.

Jeff was a dedicated member of his community. He served as a longtime officer at the Cocoa American Legion, Post 22, and VFW 10148 in Cocoa Beach, where he found camaraderie and purpose in supporting fellow veterans. He was also a proud member of Cocoa Elks Lodge 1532, where he built lasting friendships, found plenty of dancing partners, and continued his passion for serving the Cocoa community where he was raised.

A passionate mentor, Jeff volunteered as a baseball coach for over a decade, shaping young athletes with lessons in discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. One of his favorite sayings was that you never leave “ducks on the pond”—a reminder to always push toward excellence, finish the drill, and never give up on the opportunity to succeed.

Whether on the baseball field or in everyday life, Jeff was a role model to others, always leading by example and inspiring others to work hard, do their best, and never leave anything unfinished.

Jeff also leaves behind his brothers, Donnie Buzzelli and Vic Buzzelli, and his cousin, Sherrie Slaughter, who was more like a sister to him. Their lifelong bonds were built on love, shared memories, and an unshakable understanding that family isn’t just about blood—it’s about the people who stand by your side through it all.

Jeff will be remembered for his warm heart, his wisdom, and his steadfast love for those closest to him. Whether offering words of encouragement, sharing stories from his life or service, or simply being a steady presence in the lives of his loved ones, he left an indelible mark on all who knew him.

A Celebration of Life will be held on April 13, 2025, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Cocoa Elks Lodge. The ceremony will begin at 3 p.m., followed by a meal and fellowship.

In lieu of flowers, the family will donate to local veteran organizations via Venmo: @Jeff-Dellenberger.

Semper Fidelis, Jeff. Your faithful watch is over, but your love, laughter, and legacy will live on forever in the hearts of those who were blessed to know and love you.

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