Natural-born adventurer saw the best in people

WAKEFIELD — Chet Delani passed away peacefully with his wife of 58 years Janet (Leone) Delani, son Michael Delani, son Peter Delani his wife Elizabeth Saitta, grandchildren Andrew Delani and Celia Delani, daughter Elizabeth (Delani) McEleney her husband Owen McEleney, and grandchildren Emma McEleney and Owen McEleney, by his side on February 14, 2022.

Born on January 3, 1940 to Michael and Ann Delani, Chet was the third child and is survived by his older sister Sandy Forest, older brother Jim Delani, and younger sister Carol Tarbox. He is the beloved uncle of 15 nephews and nieces, their spouses and children.

Raised in modest means in Dorchester, Chet graduated from Boston English High School, and then went on to earn his bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees from Bridgewater State University, Boston University and Boston College respectively. He met his wife Janet while they were both undergraduates at Bridgewater State University. They honeymooned on Cape Cod, a place they would retreat to for the rest of their lives sharing the gift of their home with family and friends.

Chet was an adventurer at heart who chose to see the best in others and brought his indelible spirit to his two true passions in life, his family and Haynes School. He led his students and staff through the Appalachian Trail in Vermont, rode horses in the Rocky Mountains, white water rafted through the Grand Canyon, loved to sail, taught himself to become an accomplished water color painter, sang at church even though he couldn’t sing, brought his family cross country in an RV one summer, took his wife Janet on trips through Europe, and taught all of us to embrace life. He loved to laugh, would sit with you when you cried, was generous with his praise and wrote the best letters at the most, timely moments.

From the beaches of Cape Cod, to the playground at Haynes School, from 41 Cordis Street to the journey’s yet to come he will forever be in our hearts. Thank you for being you….Chet, Dad and Bumpa.

Visitation for relatives and friends will be held at the McDonald Funeral Home, 19 Yale Ave., Wakefield on Thursday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Funeral service will be private.

Donations made to Boston Children’s Hospital in Chet Delani’s name.