Mario Louis DeLucia of Nod Hill Road died Tuesday, April 8 at Connecticut Hospice of Branford. He was 78.

Born March 18, 1930 in Oyster Bay, N.Y., son of the late Philamena Abbatelb and Frank DeLucia, he attended Manlius Preparatory School and following two years of military service, enrolled at West Point, graduating in 1953 with degrees in mechanical engineering and military engineering. He attended Oklahoma A&M and earned a master’s in business administration from the University of Colorado in 1955.

Following graduation, Mr. DeLucia began what would become a 41-year career with Praxair in Danbury as the manager of aerospace and national accounts. He retired in 1996.

He married Elizabeth Mary Smith on June 21, 1970 in Cold Springs, N.Y.

An avid athlete, Mr. DeLucia received many awards and medals, some from Presidents Truman and Eisenhower. He was an Eagle Scout, a member of the American Legion, the National Rifle Association and volunteered with Little Brothers and Sisters.

Along with his wife, he is survived by a daughter, Elizabeth A. DeLucia; two sisters, Betsy and her husband, Herman, of California; and Sue and her husband, Ian, of Florida; Albert DeLucia of Huntington, N.Y.; a grandson, Dean William Sheehan; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by a son, Frank A. DeLucia.

Burial was private.