Brian R. Delaney

Brian R. Delaney of Marlborough passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 9, 2024 at UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester after a brief illness, while listening to Chicago and surrounded by loved ones. He was 51 years old. 

Born in Waltham on June 3, 1973, Brian was the son of Judith M. (Suter) Delaney of Marlborough and the late Richard J. Delaney (1996†). He was raised in Waltham, and attended Watertown Public Schools, graduating from Watertown High School in 1994.

Brian was an excellent swimmer and participated in the Massachusetts Special Olympics for over three decades. Throughout the years, he was the recipient of countless ribbons and medals. In addition to swimming, Brian also participated in track and field, powerlifting, bowling, cornhole, and various other sports. He didn’t always win, but he was always brave in the attempt.

For many years, Brian worked as an assistant in the carpentry department of the Waltham Vocational High School with his beloved Uncle Mike. During those years, he touched the lives of hundreds of students. A friend of everyone he met, Brian couldn’t go anywhere in Waltham without running into someone he knew. 

After moving to Marlborough, Brian attended a day program run by J.R.I. He enjoyed attending this program for the last thirteen years, and developed a special bond with many of its fantastic staff members, such as Lauren, Mary, George, and his “special lady friend,” Edith. He will truly be missed by everyone there.

Brian absolutely loved listening to music. He especially loved the band Chicago and over the years attended at least 30 of their concerts with his friends and family. Brian also enjoyed oldies music, crime shows, horror movies, professional wrestling, and Sesame Street. To say that he was a complex man would be an understatement.

Brian had an enormous zest for life. He loved to travel, and enjoyed many family summer vacations to Pine Acres Campground, York Beach Maine, various destinations in New Hampshire, and Cape Cod, cruises to Bermuda and the Caribbean, and trips to New York City with his mother and his social group, Belmont S.P.O.R.T. Brian’s favorite restaurant was the Chateau, and everyone that knew him knew that his favorite food was spaghetti and meatballs. He enjoyed many family events over the years, including weddings, graduations, birthday parties, and holidays. Brian even dressed up as Santa Claus at Delaney family Christmas parties for several years. Above all else, no one enjoyed family “gatherings” with our extended family quite like Brian.

In addition to his mother Judith, Brian leaves his sister Kerry Mahoney and her husband Jason of Marlborough; his brother Kevin Delaney and his wife Suzanne of Nashua, New Hampshire; his nephews, Owen and Evan Mahoney, and Alexander and Nicholas Delaney. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles and cousins with whom he was very close. He will be missed beyond measure.

Family and friends will honor and remember Brian's life by gathering for calling hours in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Thursday, June 13, from 4 to 7 pm. and again on Friday morning when his funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Burial will follow in Mount Feake Cemetery, Waltham.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Brian’s memory to Belmont S.P.O.R.T. or Opportunities for Inclusion (formerly known as GWArc).

To watch a broadcast [and recording] of Brian's funeral service please visit https://my.gather.app/remember/brian-delaney