William Pride Delaney, Jr., age 87, of Somers, CT, previously of Farmington, Hartford and Niantic, CT and Vero Beach, FL, died at home on a snowy Sunday, February 12, 2017. He was a good and generous man who wore a twinkle in his bright blue eyes.
Bill grew up in West Hartford and was a graduate of the Kingswood School, where he ran track, and of Union College in Schenectady, NY, where he served as president of his Psi Upsilon chapter. He was a devoted alumnus of both schools and spent many years actively participating with the Union Alumni Council.
Bill's career began at the HF&M Tool Company (later United Tool and Die) where he eventually became president. Subsequently he spent many years with the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection, starting during its formative years, where, among other milestones, he helped shepherd through a controversial bottle bill in 1978, which earned him an inevitable nickname.
While living in Farmington he was an active member of the Jaycees, and was a deacon and popular youth group advisor at the First Church of Christ Congregational.
For the last two years Bill lived at home with his daughter Pam, surrounded by people (and pets!) who adored him. His family is especially appreciative of the loving care of Yvonne, Elsie, Darlene, and the nurses from the Enfield Home & Community Health Services (hospice).
Bill was predeceased by his parents William P. Delaney and Lucille Dow; his siblings Robert, Richard and Joelle; and his wives Patricia Utley Murphy and Marion (Mer) Flynn Delaney.
Bill is survived by his sister Susan Dow of Miami, FL and brothers, Michael and David Delaney of Sonoma, CA; his four daughters, Pam Altieri of Somers, Kristin Bonaldo of Rohnert Park, CA, Marion P. Delaney of Fairfax, CA and Joelle Delaney of Cabuya, Costa Rica; also five grandchildren: Delaney, Alex, Sydney, Mike and Jonathan; three great-grandchildren, Gabriella, Charlotte and Julien; and his very dear friend Lillian Sillkworth of Vero Beach, FL.
A funeral service will be held on Thursday, 7 pm at Sheehan-Hilborn-Breen Funeral Home, 1084 New Britain Ave, West Hartford, with calling hours prior to the service, from 4 until 7 pm. Burial will be private, at the Cedar Hill Cemetery in Hartford.
In lieu of flowers, if you would like to make a memorial contribution to the Kingswood Oxford School or Union College, that would be just what Bill wanted.