Mr. Richard C. "Dick" Delahunt

Mr. Richard C. “Dick” Delahunt, Sr., age 72, passed away on Friday, April 22, 2016, following a diagnosis of acute leukemia. At the time of his passing, his loving family was by his side. Born in Camden on February 16, 1944, Richard was the son of the late Thomas F. and Jeannette (Beyer) Delahunt. Raised and educated in Oriskany, he was a graduate of Oriskany High School. A patriotic veteran, Dick was proud to serve his country as a United States Navy Seabee, a member of the United States Naval Construction Forces. He was stationed stateside as well as serving two tours of duty in Vietnam. For his valorous military service, he was the recipient of numerous awards and medals. On March 6, 1968 he married the former Annette Smith. From the moment she met him, she loved him. Together, they shared 48 years navigating the realities of life and knowing the blessing of their children. Dick was employed by the St. Elizabeth Medical Center for 25 years. For 10 of those years, he held the position of Director of Facilities Management, retiring in 2002. He spent his retirement years riding his touring Harley Road King and residing many joyous winters in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Dick knew the ways of Oneida Lake, having enjoyed his summer camp at Sylvan Beach. This year marks 40 years of watching glorious sunsets and being a great and helpful neighbor, generously showing many acts of kindness. At camp, he was King of the Grill and partook in friendly games of cards on the porch. As a patriarch, he was a great dad and “pop” to his grandchildren, and they truly idolized him. He expressed his love openly and was honest about learning from life’s lessons. He taught them to be respectful and fair-minded, and to enjoy the activities of water skiing, fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, and splitting and stacking cords of wood. He supported his grandchildren in all their sporting events especially Whitesboro football school with his unique way of awarding their accomplishments and rooting them on with vigor. “Holy night Thursdays” were reserved for friendly card games that he played with his sons and cherished friends. Dick was a family man and well-known as a good time man with grand social skills. He welcomed everyone, and he could communicate and connect with all ages. He was a determined man who spoke his piece of mind with intelligence and forethought. He was a member of Amera Vet, the DAV, and the American Legion Riders where he rode for many patriotic causes. God guided his life and he supported his church community by serving as a Eucharistic Minister and an usher. He was a parishioner of St. Anne’s Church until its closing. He then joined the congregation of Our Lady of the Rosary Church, and during summer months, was a communicant of Our Lady of the Lake Church. Richard’s goal was to live his life “his way” to the very end. He fought the good fight, as a Christian, in the name of his God, his family, and his country. Richard is survived by his wife, Annette; his children and their loves; Richard C. Delahunt, Jr., John and Rebecca Delahunt, Michael and Mandy Delahunt; Joelle and Marc C. Fasolo; his daughter-in-law Jacqueline Delahunt; his grandchildren, Alexis, Johnny, Giavanna, and RJ; Hunter, Brock, and Peyton; Emma, and Brady Fasolo. He held close to his heart the memory of his granddaughter, Addison Marie “Addie Girl” Fasolo, who preceded him in death. He also leaves his adored great-granddaughter, Austin Marie; his sister and brother-in-law, Mary and Lou Posselt, and his brother and sister-in-law, Thomas F., Jr. and Elizabeth Delahunt of Jacksonville, FL. He will also remain in the hearts of his nieces and nephews, especially acknowledging Tonya, Kristyna, David, and Kathy; great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, mother-in-law, Stella Smith; his Sylvan Beach family, Joe and Geri Nowicki and their son Joe Jr.; his Florida family; and his longtime friend, Tom Yocum. He was predeceased by his sisters and brothers-in-law, Jean and Joseph DeLorenzo, and Diane and Leslie Merriman; his brother, Lawrence H. “Larry” Delahunt; and his longtime friend, Joe Terrisi. The family extends heartfelt thanks to Dr. Bhisham Garg, Dr. Samir Desai, and Dr. Devayani Namassivaya for their compassionate concern for Richard and their professional advice; the Intensive Care Unit nurses and staff at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center, especially Gina, Toni, Jess, Zhanna, and Kelly. They were caregivers who went above and beyond in their kindness to Dick and his family. Also, the Delahunt’s could not have been able to endure this journey without Richard’s daughter-in-law Rebecca who was their rock. Visitation will be held Tuesday (today) from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Expressions of sympathy may be made to The Children’s Miracle Network or cast a vote for Trump, in lieu of flowers; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Richard’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Wednesday morning at 10:00 from the funeral home, he will be escorted by members of the Patriot Guard Riders to his Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 at Our Lady of the Rosary Church, offered by Rev. Paul Madej. Military Honors will be conferred by the American Legion Color Guard and the U.S. Navy.

Mr. Richard C. "Dick" Delahunt

February 16, 1944 - April 22, 2016