Louis Alfonso Truffa's Obituary
Louis Alfonso Truffa, 79, residing in Ivins, Utah, passed away just before midnight on Friday April 3rd, 2026, in Holladay, Utah at his daughter’s home. Born on July 10th, 1946, in Chicago, Illinois to James and Gabriel (Petrone) Truffa. In 1965, Louis graduated from Fenger High School in Chicago, IL. He continued his education at the University of Oklahoma and Spartan School of Aeronautics and Technology. Louis enlisted in the US Army in 1967. He was a Huey, OH-6A Helicopter Mechanic and Crew Chief. He was a survivor of the Vietnam War and continued his services through the Air National Guard for many years into the early 1980’s. He had a successful career with General Motors retiring after 32 years.
He met Betty Jo Travis while in school in Oklahoma and remained married for 35 years until her death in April 2009. They had 4 children together James, David, Anthony, and Angela Truffa. Later he remarried Delia Iligan, in Salt Lake City, Utah. He helped to support her and her children, with Delia and her two youngest children gaining US citizenship. He was a good father figure to many.
Louis was known for his big heart. He loved talking to people and helping anyone he could. He had many hobbies. In his younger years he earned his pilot’s license, loved shooting and collecting guns. He, also, was one of the four original founders of Live Free USA, one of America’s oldest and most respected survival/self-reliance advocacy organizations in the world, the group is now found under the name, American Survivor. Louis enjoyed spending time with his family, learning, traveling, eating good food, listening to music, and the world news.
He is survived by his 2nd wife, Delia Iligan, and her children. His children, James Truffa, David Truffa, Anthony Truffa, and Angela (Truffa) Hirshout, as well as multiple grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Betty Jo (Travis) Truffa of 35 years and his parents James and Gabriel (Petrone) Truffa.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11am on July 10th, 2026, in Decatur, Alabama with a reception to follow (Zoom video will be available for those who cannot make it in person). Catholic Mass/Memorial cards will be available at the Celebration of Life or mailed out if requested. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Soldiers’ Angels military nonprofit for Veterans and Military support. https://Soldiersangels.org
Louis’ kindness, positivity, and curiosity for the world will remain in the hearts of all who knew him.
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