Stephen C. Delaney

Stephen C. Delaney (Sr.), known as "Steve," 92, passed away peacefully surrounded by family. A native of Dorchester, he was the eldest son of the late James T. and Genevieve Delaney and one of five children. Steve took great pride in being both a second-generation Irish and Italian.
During his time in the military, Steve met and married his first wife, Eleanor, the mother of their children. He had a deep love for his family, which included nine children, 14 grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. He especially cherished the large family gatherings which were always filled with laughter and lively banter. Proud of his children's achievements and their families, Steve loved to showcase beautiful family photos featuring him with his grandchildren, taken by his daughter. He cherished the name "PaPa" most and was always showering everyone with "PaPa Kisses." When his grandchildren tied the knot, he stole the spotlight on the dance floor, delighting his family who watched with joy.
Steve captivated hearts and minds with his storytelling and his charming, good-humored personality. Making lifelong friends was second nature to him. One such friend introduced Steve to Anne Marie (Rie) Mooney, his cherished wife of 34 years and the love of his life for 44. Rie's siblings and her three daughters welcomed Steve with open arms, affectionately calling him "Stevie." He was deeply loved and respected by all, especially Rie's daughters and grandchildren.
To know Steve was to understand not only his devotion to family and Rie, but also his deep Catholic faith. He was an active member of his parish, volunteering at the Christ the King Thrift Shop and with The Knights of Columbus. He cherished the camaraderie of his fellow volunteers, whom he considered friends.
Steve also enjoyed the outdoors whether observing wildlife, seasons or spending time with the family dogs. He was a talented gardener and composter before it was mainstream. He hand built beautiful stone walls some 40 years ago at a prior home that remains a focal point. Steve was an avid reader of nonfiction and history and loved music. He'd belt out some Sinatra or play the trumpet outside on the deck. Steve enjoyed a good New Jersey Italian dinner out on the town with Rie or the fresh New England fare in Boston with his children. Growing up, Steve was a "Soda Jerk" which explains a lot because his love for ice cream was well documented at the local ice creamery. Everyone knew Steve's name at the local diner too and made sure they saved him a slice of homemade pie. He explained to Rie that New Englanders eat pie for breakfast. Steve was often the first to welcome newcomers to the parish or neighborhood, readily plowing a neighbor's driveway without being asked, escorting elderly neighbors home, and supporting fellow veterans and community members in need. He offered them work, gave rides, or would even provide the clothes off his back. An apt summation of Steve is in his own words: "I love everybody." And we all love him, so very much.
Steve graduated from Mount Saint Charles Academy where he played hockey, football and the trumpet. He attended Providence College until he enlisted and served in the United States Coast Guard during the Korean War.
After serving in the military, Steve returned home to become a police officer with the Boston Metropolitan Police (now State Police). He was promoted to detective and quickly earned a respected reputation in the broader criminal law enforcement community. In fact, then Massachusetts Attorney General Edward Brooke personally invited Steve to join a pioneering specialized task force to reinvestigate a notorious Boston serial criminal case. His insights and contributions to this case were featured in the nonfiction book A Death in Belmont by Sebastian Junger, and he later discussed the case and the book on CNN's Anderson Cooper 360 and in Vanity Fair. Steve was also highlighted in Life Magazine, The Boston Globe, and the Cape Cod Times, among others.
After 13 years of military and police service, Steve founded his own criminal trial investigation practice, where he spent over 25 years investigating complex, high-profile criminal defense cases. He collaborated with the late defense attorney and friend, F. Lee Bailey and several prominent law firms. Before retiring, Steve also served as an investigator for the City and County of San Francisco.
However, his reputation preceded him and years later, he was called out of retirement by the non-profit, Centurion, to reinvestigate two wrongful conviction murder cases. His new evidentiary findings were crucial in proving the innocence of two individuals who had each spent over 30 years in prison and were ultimately fully exonerated. These final cases exemplified Steve's lifelong vocation in service of equality and justice.
Steve is preceded in death by his beloved parents, three siblings, his eldest daughter, Deborah Delaney, and three grandchildren:
Bobby Delaney, Kevin Delaney Jr., and Brian Moore.
He is remembered and celebrated by his wife, Rie Mooney; his children, Genevieve, Steve Jr. (Linda), Kevin Sr., Billy, Sally (Steve), Colleen (Peter), Tim, and Mike (Wendy); his grandchildren, Eva Marie, Jackie, Paul, Pat, Laura, Jessica, Chris, Matt, Trisha, Kevin M., and John; and his great-grandchildren, Jack, Julia, Jeffrey, Jorja, Abram, Teddy, Eleanora, Mason, and Mickayla. He is also survived by his brother, Jimmy (Nina), and sister, Jackie; Rie's daughters, Michelle, Courtney (Jim), and Jennie; six additional grandchildren, Lizzie, Matt, Sarah, Jim Jr., Greg, and Kaitlyn; Rie's siblings and their families; Steve's cousins, nieces, and nephews; many friends; and Maddy, the family dog, whom Steve affectionately claimed as "HIS dog."
On behalf of Steve and the entire family, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our family and friends, near and far, for their love and support. We also thank the staff and volunteers at Alzheimer's Family Support Center, Veterans Affairs, Christ The King, Neighborhood Falmouth, Meals on Wheels and the special caregivers and medical professionals for their critical and compassionate care.
A Funeral Mass will be held at Christ the King, Mashpee at 10 am on Tuesday, November 12th.
After Mass, a private burial for Steve will he held with military honors.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to: Falmouth Community Veterans Center (https://www.fcveterancenter.org/give-today ), Christ the King Parish, Mashpee, Food Pantry Project (https://christthekingparish.com/pantry-project/)or Centurion, a non-profit dedicated to helping free the innocent, ( https://centurion.org/donatenow/ ).