Michael "Spike" Thomas "Spike" Delaney

Michael "Spike" Delaney died peacefully in his sleep after a long illness on July 22nd. He is lovingly remembered by his wife of 27 years Hillary, and his children, Sophie and Colin.

Mike is also survived by: his parents Eugene and Patty Ann Delaney, brothers Jake (Laurie,) Joe and Kevin, sisters Kathy & Mary Beth and brother and sister-in-law Ritt & Victoria Deitz, mother-in-law Sandra Tattershall & step-mother-in-law Sandy Deitz, many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family and friends, all of whom will miss him dearly.

Mike's life began in New Jersey, the second of 6 children, but he spent the majority of his childhood in Pennsylvania where he learned to love the Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies, to whom he remained loyal through thick & thin. The Delaney family relocated to Virginia when Mike was in high school, a move that ultimately landed him in art school at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), where he obtained a Bachelor of Fine Arts in sculpture. It was at VCU where Mike joined fellow students in the creation of art/performance band GWAR, building comic book inspired props and forging lifelong friendships through their shared love of "throwing down and making cool stuff." Mike met Hillary Deitz, with whom he shared many friends in Richmond Virginia in 1992, when both were working on a long-form video for GWAR and after a (respectably long) courtship finally tied the knot aboard a riverboat in Richmond in 1998.

When he became a father, Mike attended every performance, sporting event & awards ceremony. He coached his son's teams, escorted his daughter in the homecoming court and enjoyed all the Dad stuff; his pride in his talented kiddos was always on display. He made his living as a skilled carpenter and professional remodeler both in VA & KY, and took great pride in his work and craftsmanship.

Mike was taken too soon and will be dearly missed & fondly remembered with many great stories yet to be shared.

A celebration of life in Mike's honor will be held on August 30th, from 2 PM to 5 PM at 5309 Idlewild Road, Burlington, KY. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Bluegrass Care Navigators in Mike's honor.