Originally from Chicago, Deleano was drafted to serve during the Vietnam War and served stateside to support injured troops returning from Vietnam. He served in the U.S. Army from 1967 to 1969. Del, moved with his family to Los Angeles where he was a paramedic for the Los Angeles Fire Department for ten years while a single father to his two daughters.
He later moved to the Bay Area to be closer to family but his life took a turn for the worse and his long journey of homeless and addiction began. He eventually became a client of Swords to Plowshares and overcame his addiction. Del founded The Tenderloin Walking Tours and was recently appointed to the Local Homeless Coordinating Board. He was honored in 2013 as a Profile of Courage and continues to serve the community.
