Raoul "Frenchy" DeLisle passed away peacefully, May 1, 2016, surrounded by his family at age 82. Born in Staten Island, NY, Frenchy moved his family to Vero Beach in 1978; their oldest son arrived a few years later.
His career began in the Navy at age 17, where he served during the Korean War. He served as a NYC Firefighter, stationed first in Brooklyn, NY, Engine Co. 228, then spent the remainder of his 21 years in Rosebank, Staten Island, Engine Co. 152. Frenchy received two commendations for heroism; one, for a rescue that occurred on Saturday, April 4, 1970. While Frenchy was off duty, he drove past an accident whereby a Brooklyn Union Gas Co. worker was trapped in a cave-in while working on a gas mine. Instructing his teenage sons to remain in the car, Frenchy ran to the scene, pulled the unconscious man to safety and administered mouth to mouth resuscitation, reviving him. After moving to Florida, he began his 10 years with the City of Vero as a Building Inspector and last worked with his sons at their business, All County Mower.

Those who knew Frenchy best, knew he put others before himself and was always ready to help anyone in need. As, John, his FDNY "brother" reminded us only weeks before his passing, Frenchy was always the first to go in [to the fire], and the last to come out.

Frenchy's passions were saltwater fishing, golfing, and reading, but first and foremost was his family. Frenchy and his wife, whom he affectionately called "Babe" during their entire 63 years together (61 of them as husband and wife), were hardly ever apart. One of Frenchy's most precious moments was when family, friends, and his FDNY brothers all traveled to Florida to help celebrate their union at their surprise 50th anniversary weekend, thrown by their children. That was 11 years ago, as they have now, just this year, celebrated 61 years together.

Frenchy's love for fishing, began in the 60s when he took up salt-water surf fishing. He fished from S.I. to Maine. He competed (and placed) in many surf-casting competitions, taking 1st in 1969, earning him a photo in the local paper. During the 70s, Frenchy transitioned from surf cast fishing to trolling the Atlantic in his first Christ Craft, he fondly named, "Babe II". He designed and hand-made his own rods and lures during the two decades he fished, which could pass as those made by a professional craftsman. Another proud moment was catching his (then) largest fish, a 48-pound striped bass, off the Babe II, landing him second place in the Bass Boat fishing contest in Staten Island, N.Y., in 1977, which still hangs proudly in their home today.
After fishing a decade out in Ft. Pierce, where he kept the "Babe III", his love of fishing changed from being a fisherman to becoming a Captain, as he had more fun watching others enjoy the experience than fishing himself. Over the years, his love of fishing changed to golfing. For years he had standing golf dates with friends Herb, Gary and Bill and years later with nephew Mike Harmody and friend Chris Stepanek. He also loved playing with his three sons, most times entering as a team in local charity golf tournaments. Frenchy's finest moment was landing his first Hole-in-One at Fairwinds in 1997.

Frenchy, is preceded in death by parents, Raoul and Margaret Delile, son Ray DeLisle and son-in-law George Menendez. Frenchy is survived by wife, Patricia "Babe" of 61 years, son Kevin DeLisle, daughter Gail DeLisle, son Danny (Anita) DeLisle, and Ray's wife June. He is also survived by his sister Gail (Mike) Harmody, five grandchildren, Krystina, Cady, Tanner, Alex and Emily, brother-in-law Jack (Anna) McGuinness, and nieces Patty, Susan and Mary and nephews, Mike, Scott and Tom Harmody, and Jack, Danny, Thomas, Michael and Steven McGuinness.

A private graveside service for family only was held on Saturday, May 7, 2016 at Crestlawn Cemetery.

Online condolences may be made at www.coxgiffordseawinds.com