David Lee Delaney, 80, of Plymouth, passed away peacefully at home, on June 12 surrounded by family, after courageously battling a rare form of lymphoma. Born July 9, 1944, to Leo and Enid (nee Gilmore) Delaney, he grew up in Milton with his older sister and two younger brothers. A natural athlete, he loved playing and watching sports and had wonderful memories of visiting Fenway Park.
He was nostalgic about Cape Cod and would fondly reminisce about his summers there. A graduate of Catholic Memorial High School, he proudly attended the University of Notre Dame, Boston University, and the University of Miami, obtaining his law degree. He eventually settled in Plymouth, and practiced law his entire life.
Although greatly accomplished and successful, David was incredibly humble. His strong moral and ethical compass guided him in business and in life. His greatest loves were his family, children, and grandchildren. As hard as he worked, he found a way to show up for the people in his life without fail. He was optimistic, fun-loving, and humorous.
He deeply appreciated art, literature, architecture, history and the beauty of nature. His respectful, thoughtful, generous, and sensitive nature left a lasting impression on those he knew. Gifted intellectually, athletically, and artistically, his talents couldn’t be ignored. In life, he was compassionate. He always chose the scenic route, and preferred the roads less traveled. He was a very proud dad and grandfather.
David is remembered by many, including his daughter Nicole and son-in-law Robert Johnston of Mashpee, and their children Alexis, Jake, Brooke, and Brady; daughter Babette Delaney and her partner Daniel Gilbreaith of Bozeman, MT; daughter Aubree Davendonis of Portland, OR, and her children Josie and Brynne; his brother and sister-in-law John “Jack” and Dee Delaney; brother-in-law KC Spengler; partner Michele Hagen; mother of his children, Betsy; and nieces and nephews and close friends that he considered family.
He was preceded in death by sister Ellen Spengler and brother Robert “Bobby” Delaney.
A celebration of life will take place on Friday June 20, from 12 to 3 p.m., at East Bay Grille,173 Water St., Plymouth. In lieu of flowers, please consider taking a scenic drive, donating blood or plasma, or making a charitable contribution to the Red Sox foundation. David will be deeply missed by family, friends, colleagues and the people he touched
Arrangements were made by the Cartmell-Davis Life Celebration Funeral Home.