Arthur Leland DeLoca, Jr.

Dr. Arthur Leland DeLoca, Jr., age 86, passed away on Thursday, December 28, 2023, at the Milford Regional Medical Center in Milford, Massachusetts.  Born in the Queens neighborhood of New York City on December 31, 1936, he was the son of the late Arthur and Margaret (Arthen) DeLoca.  Arthur was raised in Queens, where he graduated from Saint John's Prep School.  Following his graduation, Arthur enrolled in Saint John’s Univeristy in Queens before beginning his medical school studies at the State University of New York's Downstate Campus.  

Upon his graduation from SUNY, Arthur traveled to Wisconsin in order to fulfill his internship requirements. After meeting his requirement and picking up a Porsche for a great price, Arthur headed back east, taking a position with Tufts at Boston City Hospital.  

Arthur married his beloved wife, Joyce A. Aldrich, on September 10, 1966, in Newport, New Hampshire.  The couple made their first home together in Brookline and with his residency behind him, Arthur went into private practice.  In addition to serving his own patients, Arthur proudly joined the United States Coast Guard, serving his country as a physician aboard a ship.  With a growing resume, Arthur was quickly noticed by the leadership at Dedham Medical Associates, who asked him to join their team in 1968.  After joining the other doctors and administrators at DMA's Lyons Street Office, Arthur began his journey away from the city, spending two years in Newton before settling in Medfield, where he and Joyce raised their daughter, Meredith.  Throughout his career, Arthur was dedicated to his patients, often answering his phone during off hours to provide sound medical advice.  With his focus shifting to cancer treatment and prevention, Arthur spent many hours working with his patients at the Faulkner Hospital in Jamaica Plain, where he was named Chief of Oncology.  Following his retirement in 2000, Arthur and Joyce settled in Southeastern Massachusetts to enjoy some peaceful and quiet time together.

Throughout his life, Arthur loved being outdoors.  He enjoyed finding a new trail to hike or bike up, truly immersing himself in nature.  His bicycling was not exclusive to the dirt trails, as he often took his road bike out, clocking many miles over the years.  He looked forward to the annual trip to Block Island with his friends, taking some time to pedal about and take in the sights.  

Back at home, Arthur showed off his appreciation for the arts.  He was a dedicated piano player, exploring the classics that he loved to listen to.  Arthur would often take walks with his camera, looking for ideas and taking beautiful photographs along the way. Often, Arthur put his thoughts on canvas, working with watercolors or charcoal to bring the images of his mind or from his own photography to life.  At the end of a long day, Arthur enjoyed perusing his bookshelf, finding the perfect biography or history book to relax with.

Beloved husband of Joyce A. (Aldrich) DeLoca.  

Loving father of Anne Meredith DeLoca.  

Devoted son of the late Arthur L. and Margaret (Arthen) DeLoca.  

Cherished brother of Virginia DeLoca Reiber of Jamaica Plain, Jeanne Poland of Hudson, NY, and Paul DeLoca and his wife, Penelope, of Greensboro, North Carolina.  

At the request of Arthur's family, all funeral services will be held privately.  

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Arthur's name may be made to the Jimmy Fund, c/o Dana Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284.  

Arrangements by James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, Walpole.