Published in the September 28, 2018 edition
MELROSE — Robert E. Delaney, 92, a lifelong resident of Melrose, passed away at Melrose-Wakefield Hospital surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, September 19, 2018.
Robert Delaney was born in Melrose on August 5, 1926, one of three sons of the late Grace (Carlan) and Daniel J. Delaney. He was raised in Melrose where he graduated from Melrose High School, and served as a Corporal in the US Army during the Korean War. On February 22, 1962, he was married to Ann M. Daley and they settled in Melrose to raise a family of two daughters.
Intelligent and hard working, Bob worked as a pressman and salesman for several printing firms in the Boston area. He learned the printing business from his father who founded Delaney Press on Main Street in Melrose. Honest and well liked, Bob was a respected and successful businessman before retiring to spend more time with his family.
Genuine, kind and polite, Bob was the epitome of a gentleman. He was adored by his grandchildren and instilled strong morals in his family. A faithful communicant of Incarnation Parish, Bob was a founding member of the Church and lived his faith every day.
Following retirement, Bob enjoyed Cape Cod summers with Ann and family in South Yarmouth, and spent the winters in Sarasota, Florida. He loved fishing, boating, fried oysters, and had an appreciation for classic cars. During family trips to the Cape, he passed his knowledge of the ocean and boating onto his daughters. He took great pride in watching the various athletic and academic accomplishments of his grandchildren, and loved his “granddogs.” However, most importantly, every day for Bob started with reading the Boston Globe cover to cover.
A member of the Greatest Generation, Bob was beloved for his loyalty to family, his work ethic, his humble nature, and his kind hearted generosity to all. The world has a lost a great man, but the example he set as a genuine role model will carry on as his legacy through the lives of his children, and grandchildren.
Bob was the beloved husband of Ann (Daley) Delaney with whom he shared 57 years of marriage. Devoted father of Marybeth Dalton and her husband Thomas of Marshfield, and Carol Campagna of Melrose. Loving brother of the late Paul Delaney, and Leon Delaney. Proud “Bupa” of Meghan Dalton, Daniel Dalton, Robert Dalton, Matthew Campagna, and William Campagna.
Relatives and friends gathered in honor of Bob’s life for visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Sunday, Sept. 23 and again on Monday before leaving in procession to the Church of the Incarnation, 429 Upham St., Melrose for his funeral Mass. Military honors were presented by the US Army at Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose. Gifts in Bob’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl., Memphis, TN 38105. For online tribute, or directions visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com
