"Bob" or "Del", 77, of Great Falls, Montana passed away Thursday, April 7, 2016 from kidney failure at Benefis Hospital.

      A celebration of his life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 16, 2016, at Schnider's Hillcrest Lawn Memorial Chapel, Schnider Funeral Home/Hillcrest Chapel, 1510 13th St., South, Great Falls, Montana.

      Del was born in Butte, Montana on May 11, 1938, to Robert Mitchell and Josephine (Vukovich) Delich.   He grew up in Butte and was very proud of his Serbian heritage.

      Del graduated from the University of Montana in 1966.   He married Ruth Ann Salusso on June 11, 1967.   They raised three daughters.   He was supportive of all their activities.   Del taught Spanish, P.E. and coached basketball in Fort Benton, Montana, for three years.   He then became a District Manager for Combined Insurance Company for over 35 years.   He was very successful and won many sales awards.

      Del struggled with Parkinson's disease for many years but seldom complained.   He enjoyed music, TV and sports.   His favorite teams were the 49ers, Yankees and Lakers.   He also enjoyed time with his family and helping raise his grandchildren.

      Del was a generous, smart man with a great sense of humor!   He was always the life of the party.   His motto at work and in life was "I feel healthy, happy and terrific!"   We will miss him our "Poppy" very much.

      He is survived by his supportive wife, Ruth Ann of 48 years;   his three daughters, Tara Salusso of New York City, New York, Danika Delich Ellington and Delena Delich of Great Falls, Montana;   grandchildren, Justin, Joplin, Mila and Evan;   his sisters, Beverly Delich of Vancouver, B.C. and Jerri Gertson of Great Falls, Montana;   a special cousin Mona Neary Kriskovich;   along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

      He was preceded in death by his parents.

      In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Del's name to Central Montana Parkinson's Support Group, 1200 32nd Street South #25, Great Falls, Montana 59405 or the Great Falls Rescue Mission, 326 2nd Avenue South, Great Falls, Montana 59405.

      Condolences for the family may be posted online at SchniderFuneralHome or go to . mtstandard