Gabriella DeLuca: The Voice of Home on WPXI-TV
For many journalists, the ultimate dream is “the homecoming.” For Gabriella DeLuca, that dream became a reality in 2017. If you’ve tuned into WPXI-TV in Pittsburgh lately, you’ve likely seen her covering everything from breaking news on the South Side to heartwarming stories of local resilience.
But who is the woman behind the microphone? From her roots in Hampton to her days dog-sledding in Michigan, Gabriella’s journey is a masterclass in persistence, storytelling, and a deep-seated love for Western Pennsylvania.
The Road Back to Pittsburgh
Gabriella didn’t just land a job at Channel 11; she earned it through a “tour of duty” across the country. A proud alumna of Hampton High School, she headed to Ohio University to sharpen her skills, graduating with a degree in broadcast journalism.
Her career timeline shows a reporter willing to go where the stories are:
The “UP” Adventure: Her first reporting job was at WLUC in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Between anchoring and reporting, she embraced the local culture—literally—by trying snowmobiling and dog sledding.
Virginia Coastal Reporting: She then spent four years at WTKR in Norfolk, Virginia. Living just a block from the Chesapeake Bay, she covered heavy-hitting national news, including the tragic shooting of two WDBJ journalists.
The Return: In April 2017, she returned to Pittsburgh as a freelancer for WPXI, officially becoming a full-time staff reporter by July of that year.
Behind the Scenes: Is She Related to Pete DeLuca?
One of the most frequent questions fans ask is: “Are Gabriella and Pete DeLuca related?” Despite sharing a last name and a newsroom for several years, the answer is no. Gabriella and Pete DeLuca are not related. While they were a powerhouse duo for the station’s branding, their connection was strictly professional.
Note on Pete DeLuca: For those wondering, Did Pete DeLuca leave WPXI? Yes, Pete exited the station in September 2024 to transition into a communications role for a county government in the D.C. area.
Family, Marriage, and Motherhood
Gabriella’s life off-camera is just as busy as her life on it. She is married to Gary Pellillo. The couple celebrated a major milestone recently with the birth of their son, Thomas James Pellillo, on February 10, 2023.
Thomas arrived about a month early, spending some time in the NICU before heading home in March. Gabriella’s return to the airwaves after maternity leave was a highly anticipated moment for her loyal viewers.
| Feature | Details |
| Husband | Gary Pellillo |
| Children | Thomas James (born 2023) |
| Education | Ohio University (Broadcast Journalism) |
| Hometown | Hampton, PA |
Notable Career Milestones
Since joining the WPXI team, Gabriella has become a fixture in Pittsburgh news. Her reporting style is often described as empathetic yet direct. Some of her most impactful recent work includes:
Coverage of the Pittsburgh synagogue shooter’s legal proceedings.
Exclusive reports on local crime trends, including attempted break-ins.
Community-focused stories, like the “fighter” baby born 15 weeks premature.
Career Impact and Future Outlook
Gabriella DeLuca represents a shift in modern journalism toward “hyper-local” experts. Because she grew up watching Channel 11, she brings a level of context to her reporting that outsiders simply can’t match. Whether she’s discussing the future of the Century III Mall site or the latest coaching changes for the Steelers, she speaks as a neighbor, not just a reporter.
As the media landscape evolves, Gabriella’s transition into digital-first reporting—utilizing social media to provide real-time updates—ensures she remains a vital part of the Pittsburgh news ecosystem for years to come.
Quick Facts Summary
Is Gabriella DeLuca married? Yes, to Gary Pellillo.
Where is she working? WPXI-TV (Channel 11) in Pittsburgh.
How old is she? While her exact birth year is private, she graduated high school in 2007, placing her in her mid-30s.
What is your favorite Gabriella DeLuca report? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Sources & Further Reading
WPXI Official Bio: Gabriella DeLuca Reporter Profile
TribLive TV Q&A: Are the DeLucas related? (Dec 2021)
TribLive: What happened to Pete DeLuca? (Oct 2024)
Zola: Gary & Gabriella’s Wedding Details
Leave a Reply