John D. D’Elia, a lifelong resident of Greenwich, passed away on April 22, 2026, at the age of 90. Born on December 4, 1935, to John and Anne D’Elia, he attended Mount Saint Michael Academy before graduating from the University of Notre Dame.
An avid runner throughout high school and college, John carried his quiet competitive nature into the world of offshore powerboat racing, becoming National and World Champion several times. His passion for racing was shared with his son and passed down to his grandson.
John proudly served in the United States Air Force. He was the proprietor of the D’Elia family car dealerships, a business founded by his father and later expanded under John’s leadership from a Dodge and Pontiac dealership into a large portfolio of automotive dealerships throughout the Northeast. He was one of the first to introduce Honda to the region in the early 1970s, later adding Acura and Isuzu to the group, as well as was the President of the North East Honda and Acura Council.
John was deeply connected to his community, having been involved with the Greenwich Boys & Girls Club throughout his childhood and continuing to support the organization throughout his career. He loved the beach and being near the water, especially at Island Beach and Key West.
Above all, John was devoted to his family. He never forgot a birthday, holiday phone call, or visit. He loved telling a good story and was a proud, ambitious, and honorable man who will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
John is survived by his children, John D. D’Elia Jr. and his partner, Christine Colasurdo; daughter Deirdre A. D’Elia; grandson and wife, John D. D’Elia III and Amanda Telesco D’Elia; great-grandson, John D. D’Elia IV; and his significant other, Carmen Peterson.
To honor John’s life, family and friends will gather on Thursday, May 7, from 4:00–8:00 p.m. at Fred D. Knapp Funeral Home. A Memorial Mass will be held on Friday, May 8, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Greenwich Boys & Girls Club, https://bgcg.org/get-involved/donate.