The band Luna Pearl had just finished their third song for a packed house at Lou’s Blues in Indialantic on March 23 when the club’s owner, Michael Pauline ran onstage with devastating news: Stephanie Delli, the wife of the band’s lead guitarist, had been struck trying to cross A1A to the club after parking at Wal-Mart.
Melbourne Police responded to the 9:39 p.m. crash just south of Eau Gallie Boulevard, where they discovered 51-year-old Delli, 51, of Sebastian with “life-threatening injuries.” She died at Holmes Regional Medical Center.
In a Facebook post George Delli expressed his grief, writing, in part, “She was a beautiful person inside and out and there is no way that she deserved to be deprived of her life. No way. We were both extremely happy with each other and extremely in love with each other. No way. No way…..sorry I can’t stop the tears….”
Others have since rallied around the family offering support and to remember a woman described by many as a kind soul who could brighten anyone’s day with her laughter and gentle spirit – even after experiencing her own tragedy in losing her son in 2008.
“Her family and friends meant the world to her. She had a way of brightening your day with her contagious laugh. Steph will be truly missed by anyone who knew her,” said family friend Jess Valenti.
“Stephanie was the most kindhearted person you could ever meet. She would help anyone in need and would give the best advice. She lost her son Kendal, her pride and joy, back in 2008, and made it a goal to reach out to other parents who lost their children as well and offer her support,” Valenti said. “She never wanted us to forget him and kept his spirit alive in all of us. I know we will all continue to do the same for her.”
Police said the initial investigation indicates she crossed in front of a vehicle driven by Eric Petersen, 48, of Indian Harbour Beach, who was heading south on A1A.
Melbourne Police Department Commander Marc Claycomb said the Selective Traffic Enforcement Unit is currently investigating this crash as a Traffic Homicide Investigation. “Although the case is still undergoing investigation, there were no obvious signs of fault or impairment of the driver at the scene.”
Pauline said Lou’s Blues has signs posted asking people to use crosswalks. “We try to do everything we can so that people arrive safely and go home safely,” Pauline said. “Luna Pearl is a big part of the Lou’s Blues family and we are deeply saddened by their loss.”
Donna Chickillo of Satellite Beach was on her way to the club when she came across the accident scene. As someone who has followed the band for years, she knows several members personally, and was stunned to learn Delli was the person involved. “It’s such a loving family,” Chickillo said. “George was so in love with her.”
Cindy Walker, a karaoke DJ who was working at Lou’s Blues on the night of the accident, had just gone outside to load equipment into her car when she saw a nurse administering CPR to Stephanie.
“Everyone outside who saw this happen and watched were so helpless,” Walker said. “My thoughts and prayers are with her and her family.”
Delli’s mother, Claire Drouin from Jupiter, said her daughter was one of the most generous and kind people she ever knew.
“My daughter took care of everyone, she’s just one of those people who always helped others,” Drouin said. “If you didn’t have a place to live, she gave you one; if you didn’t have food to eat, she fed you. She cared about all people.”
Delli’s sister, Tracey Oger, arrived in town last week with their mother. “She was my best friend,” Oger said. “We talked every day.”
A service for the family and friends of Delli is planned for April 7 in Sebastian.
