NewsLONG-TIME SOAP BOX DERBY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TONY DELUCA DIES10.12.2022LONG-TIME SOAP BOX DERBY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TONY DELUCA DIES Retired Soap Box Derby leader Anthony C. (Tony) DeLuca died in Akron on October 11, 2022 at age 85. Following a 28-year career as a Summit County sheriff’s deputy, Tony joined the All-American Soap Box Derby as executive director in 1989. He served in that role full-time until 2006, then part-time until retiring from the staff in 2011. Among Tony’s responsibilities during his long tenure, Tony raised funds to support operations and for capital projects at Derby Downs. Under his leadership, many new sponsorship relationships were developed, the number of participating race cities expanded and the Stock and Super Stock racing divisions were established. Tony oversaw the construction of several key facilities at Derby Downs, including the headquarters administration building near the finish line; replacement of the grandstands, finish line bridge and starting line structure, and the addition of the pavilion at the starting line and the blue operations building at Topside. As part of the 75th running of the FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby in 2012, the headquarters building was named the DeLuca Operations Center in honor of Tony’s significant contributions to the Soap Box Derby program over his 22-year career. He was inducted into the Soap Box Derby Hall of Fame in 2005. He is survived by his wife Cathy and daughter Lori. Calling hours will be Friday, October 14 from 4 to 7 p.m. at St. Vincent DePaul Catholic Church, 174 E. Market Street, Akron, Ohio 44303, where Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Saturday. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery