Edward Joseph Delaney

Edward Joseph Delaney, a man remembered for his quick wit and warm friendships, passed away at the age of 99 on Saturday, October 25, 2025.
Born in Somerville, MA on January 7, 1926, Ed was the youngest of six children of Mark and Anne (Haggerty) Delaney. He grew up in Powder House Square and graduated from St. Clement High School, where he played both baseball and basketball.
After graduating early to enlist in the Navy, Ed returned home and began a 30-plus-year career with the MBTA. In 1949, he married the love of his life, Teresa Shannon, and together they built their family home in Burlington, MA, where they raised five children.
Faith, family, and friendship were at the center of Ed's life. A longtime parishioner of St. Margaret's Church, he prayed the rosary daily and watched Mass whenever he could. He and Teresa created a home filled with laughter, warmth, and love. They shared a passion for dancing, traveling, and spending time with family-and for more than a decade, Ed's mother, Anne, was lovingly part of their household.
Ed cherished his role as a husband, father, "Papa," and great-grandfather. Just as deeply, he loved his extended Lonergan and Shannon families. He was always quick to celebrate their accomplishments. He loved watching his family grow with each new wedding and birth.
A man of great conversation and connection, Ed had an extraordinary memory and a genuine interest in others. Whether in Burlington or later at Country Club Heights, he built lasting friendships wherever he went. When you spoke with Ed, you had his full attention-he made everyone feel seen, valued, and remembered.
He was passionate about sports and history. Ed could recall players and statistics from any era and discuss them with depth and humor. A lifelong learner, he devoured biographies-especially of American presidents and historical figures-and loved sharing thoughtful insights from his reading and listening.
Ed was the beloved husband of the late Teresa M. (Shannon) Delaney. He was the proud father and father-in-law of Denise von Mering & her husband Fritz of Winchester, Mark Delaney & his wife Joanne of Burlington, Joan Howard & her husband Stephen of Burlington, Meg Chandonnet & her husband Marcel of Burlington, and Edward Delaney, Jr. & his wife Kathryn of Winchester. He was predeceased by his five siblings: Anselm Delaney, George Delaney, Ita Lonergan, Daniel Delaney, and Anne Sargent. He was the proud grandfather of Fritz von Mering & his wife Heather, Matthew von Mering & his wife Page Hodgson, Mark Delaney, Jr. & his wife Cailin, Brian Delaney & his wife Alexis, Stephen Howard & his wife Melissa, Katherine Feeney & her husband Ryan, Anne Casselman & her husband Todd, Thomas Chandonnet & his wife Jillian Cooley, Mary Delaney, and Joseph Delaney & his wife Katherine. He was the great grandfather of Stephen & Drew Howard, Delaney and Olivia Feeney, Madison, Fritz, Lucy, Emma, Grace, & Frances von Mering, Mark, Erin, Jake & Taryn Delaney, Teddy & Mae Casselman, and Charlie Chandonnet.
Visiting hours will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn Street, Burlington on Wednesday, October 29 from 4 to 7 p.m. Funeral from the Sullivan Funeral Home on Thursday, October 30 at 9 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Margaret Church in St. Veronica Parish, 111 Winn Street, Burlington at 10 a.m. Services will conclude with burial at Pine Haven Cemetery, Burlington.
Memorials in Ed's name may be made to The Catholic TV Network at www.catholictv.org or P.O. Box 9196, Watertown, MA 02471.
For online guestbook and video tribute, see www.sullivanfuneralhome.net.