Joseph Anthony Delaney

Joseph Anthony Delaney "Joe," age 86, passed away peacefully at St. Patrick's Residence in Naperville on Friday, November 7, 2014.

Loving and devoted husband of over 66 years to Helen (nee Buttles) Delaney; doting father of Maureen (Charles) Resler of Naperville, Peg (Ed) Monteagudo of Western Springs, Patricia (Terry) Stanley of Plainfield, Kathleen (Gary) Anderson of Plainfield, Susan (John) Hulbert of Minooka, Michael (Vikki) Delaney of Western Springs, and Sharon (Michael) Carnaghi of Oswego; treasured grandfather of Jennifer (Gerry) Hall, Joseph (Megan) Resler, Emily, David and Laura Monteagudo, Timothy (Wendy), Daniel (Heather), and Colleen Stanley, Katherine (Steve) Moudry, Patrick (Karli), Nicholas (Debbie), Christopher, and Sarah Anderson, Jeffrey, Stephen (Tracey), Michelle, Kevin Hulbert, Sean, Connor, and Nolan Delaney, Thomas and Julia Carnaghi; dear great-grandfather of 12; and caring brother-in-law of Phyllis (the late John) Rapcan of Plainfield.

Preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Margaret (nee Ardaugh) Delaney; one brother, Harold (the late Florence and Vera) Delaney; and one sister, Evelyn (the late Vincent) Walsh.

Joseph was born and raised on his family farm in Manhattan, Illinois. He graduated from St. Joseph Grade School in 1942 and then from Joliet Catholic High School in 1946. It was during his high school years that he met the love of his life, Helen, on a blind date. They married in 1948 and went on to have six children living in Manhattan as active members of St. Joseph Church where Joe attended Mass daily. Joe moved his family to Joliet in 1964, where they became active members of the Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus and added their seventh child. Throughout the next 50 years, Joe modeled his faith for his family and community by continuing to attend Mass daily, as well as serving as a lector and Eucharistic minister.

Joseph was employed for 40 years as an industrial salesman for Barrett Hardware Company where he made many life-long friends. He continued in sales working for Bell Realty and Kerr Supply and then into his early 80's working part-time as a courier for First American Title Company and Hometown National Bank, as well as serving coffee at White Hen Pantry.

Joseph taught his children the importance of faith, family, and a strong work ethic. He believed that his family was his greatest asset and leaves a legacy which each one of them cherishes.

Joseph loved people and was as interested in what others had to share about their own background and family as he was in sharing the details of his own children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren – of whom he was so proud. Once Joe met someone, he never forgot their name or the information they shared with him and he cared enough to ask for an update when he saw them again. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew and loved him.

The family wishes to thank the Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirm and the entire staff at St. Patrick's Residence for their loving and dignified care of Joe for nearly two years and particularly during these past several months.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Joseph's name to St. Patrick's Residence, 1400 Brookdale Road, Naperville, IL 60563.

A Celebration of Joseph's life will begin on Wednesday, November 12, 2014 with prayers in the funeral home chapel at 9:20 a.m. then driving in procession to the Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus for a Mass of Christian Burial to be held at 10:00 a.m. Entombment to follow at Resurrection Mausoleum in Romeoville. Visitation will be on Tuesday, November 11, 2014 at Tezak Funeral Home, 1211 Plainfield Road, Joliet, IL from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.