Olivo 'Dell' V. Delle-Femine, 83

Olivo "Dell" V. Delle-Femine, 83

PORTLAND, Maine — Olivo "Dell" Delle-Femine, 83, formerly of Laconia, N.H., died peacefully on Thursday, May, 7, 2015, following a period of failing health.

Dell was born Nov. 5, 1932, the son of the late Frank and Ida (Nassi) Delle-Femine of East Providence, R.I., and was a 1951 graduate of East Providence High School. He is a veteran of the Air Force and was stationed at the Wheelus Air Base in the Kingdom of Libya, where he served as an aircraft mechanic.

With great interest in collective bargaining he began his life's work building a labor union that solely represented airline mechanics. In 1961 Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association was born. Dell was the first AMFA National Director in 1963 and held that elected position until his retirement in 2008. An industry leading contract was achieved by the AMFA members at Northwest Airlines in 2001. By 2003 AMFA represented three of the top five as well as half of the top 10 major airlines in the U.S. Dell's efforts and sacrifices for aircraft maintenance technicians are legendary and cement a legacy that continues today.

Dell was well respected in his field and received many awards for industry related achievements. An award was created in his honor to be presented to people in the association for their exceptional work in upholding the principles and philosophy of AMFA.

Dell was involved in many political election campaigns during his time living in New York City and Newport, R.I. Dell's charitable acts include volunteering with Island Hospice in Newport, R.I., and most holidays would find him volunteering in the soup kitchen at Emmanuel Church. Dell was an avid traveler and reader and enjoyed nights out at the opera with a fine Italian dinner afterward.

Dell was predeceased by his beloved second wife Marie Ann (Sullivan) Delle-Femine in 1996; along with two sisters, Irene Brightman and Molly Sousa; and three brothers, Frank, Marco and Edward Delle-Femine.

Dell is survived by his first wife, Constance Loring; and his children, Douglas, Michael, David and Nancy Delle-Femine; a granddaughter Emma Strubell; along with many nieces, nephews; and great-nieces and great-nephews.

The Delle-Femine family extends heartfelt thanks to the wonderful staff, and nurses at the Barron Center 2N, Portland, for their loving help. Thanks are also offered to the staff at Beacon Hospice for their care and kindness. Dell enjoyed his visits from, a fellow veteran, from Beacon very much.

A private celebration of his life will be held at a later date. Dell's ashes will be placed in the columbarium at Emmanuel Church in Newport, R.I., next to Marie's ashes.

For online condolences, please visit the funeral home website at www.athutchins.com.