William B. (Bill) Delaney

William B. Delaney, 93, of Kendrick Rd., passed away on Wed. April 3, 2024 at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield.

A lifelong resident of Shelburne Falls, Bill was born on the Buckland side of the village on August 13, 1930, he was the son of Charles and Bella (Forgea) Delaney.

He was a graduate of Arms Academy. As a high school athlete he lettered in football, basketball, baseball and track. In his own words, “I was never a star but very enthusiastic and dedicated”.

He immediately joined the U.S. Navy upon his graduation. He served with the Pacific Submarine Force in San Diego, CA until the commencement of the Korean War when his sub went to Pearl Harbor. When his sub returned to San Diego, he transferred back to Pearl Harbor and remained there until his discharge in 1952. He served aboard the submarine Carp, Cabezon and Pickerel. He later enlisted in the U.S. Air Force as a member of the Strategic Air Command, serving in Wyoming and North Africa. He returned to Westover Air Base and was honorably discharged in 1958.

Bill was employed by the Boston & Maine railroad for 26 years as a signalman, helping in the construction of highway crossing protection, signals and pole lines. He was one of the last to stay in the railroad construction cars provided by the railroad. Bill was later employed by Lamson & Goodnow Manufacturing for 5 years, retiring in 1993. In retirement, Bill and his wife Helen traveled quite extensively around the U.S. visiting the major points of interest,

He was a sports enthusiast all his life, also enjoying fishing and gardening.

Bill was very faithful in his service to St. Joseph’s Church having served as a charter member of the Parish Council, a Lector for 50 years, Eucharistic Minister and Minister of Communion to the homebound.

He was a member of the American Legion and past member of the Shelburne Falls Rod & Gun Club.

Bill leaves a son Dr. Robert E. Delaney and his wife Judy of Ashfield, grandchildren and their spouses Kathryn Delaney Pruyn and Robare Delaney Pruyn of Philadelphia, and Joseph Delaney and his wife Jillian Delaney of Holland, MA

Bill was predeceased by his loving wife Helen (Grandmaison) Delaney on Jan. 13, 2017, his parents and brothers James and Capt. Robert Delaney.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated Wed., April 10 at St. Joseph’s Church in Shelburne Falls at 11:00 am, with Pastor Rev. William Lunney as celebrant. Burial will follow in Arms Cemetery.

At Bill’s request there are no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the St. Joseph’s Church Building Fund, 34 Monroe Ave., Shelburne Falls, MA 01370. Also Bill suggested providing a random act of kindness and good will to your neighbor.

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