Joseph C Delaney

Joseph Christopher Delaney, 62, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on October 29th, 2021 at UMASS Memorial in Worcester, Massachusetts.

A lifelong Worcester resident, Joe was raised on Grafton Hill. He attended Holy Name High School and graduated in 1977. He met his wife, Elizabeth M. Delaney, 61, also a Worcester native, in 1979. Joe and Liz dated for 10 years, sharing their love for music and the outdoors together, going to concerts and camping with friends. They celebrated their 31st wedding anniversary this June. He worked at a number of local companies including Thom McAn, PAID Inc., and PrimeMetals/DXP.

Joe loved to travel with his family on camping trips across Massachusetts and beach vacations to Maine and Cape Cod. He loved to walk and enjoy nature, to challenge his brain with crossword puzzles, and to listen to his favorite music. He was an avid lifelong Boston and New England sports fan. Joe believed in fairness and good sportsmanship in the sports he played and watched throughout his life. He also loved bird watching and despite his best efforts to hide it, his cats. Anyone who knew Joe will never forget his sense of humor or his sharp wit.

Joe is survived by his wife, Liz, as well as his daughters, Jamie L. Delaney, 28, of Portland, ME, and Shauna M. Delaney, 26, of Worcester, and their respective husbands Brian Erickson and Driscoll McKenney-Lydick. He is also survived by his siblings Michael Delaney and his wife Rose Delaney, Marie Delaney and her partner Paul Renaud, Steven Delaney and his partner Kathy Flynn, and his brother-in-law Bill Ryan. Additionally, he is survived by many loving nieces and nephews and other extended family. Lastly, he is survived by his three “PITA” cats Spencer, Roo, and Mischa.

Joe is predeceased by his mother Carmella Lanzillotti and his father Francis Delaney. He is also predeceased by his siblings Paula Hind, Kathy Ryan, Trisha Delaney, and Andrew Delaney.

Joe’s family will be holding a celebration of life on Saturday, November 6th at MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME AND CHAPEL 370 Plantation St. Worcester, Ma 01605. Family and friends are welcome from 2 PM - 4 PM, and a celebration service will begin at 3 PM.

Please omit flowers, and instead please consider making memorial contributions in Joe’s memory to the Friendly House, Inc. Neighborhood Center in Worcester, MA. The Friendly House was a second home for Joe growing up and he always found it important to support them throughout his adult life. (www.friendlyhousema.org)

To leave a note of condolence for the family, please visit our guestbook page.