William Delaney

William Gerard Delaney, also known as Bill or Billy, passed away on October 21, 2023, at the age of 65 in Myrtle Beach, SC. He was born on January 30, 1958, in Fort Lee, NJ. Bill is survived by his daughter Kathleen Herbst, husband Tom Herbst, and grandson Zachary Herbst; his son Tim Delaney and wife Brooke Delaney; former spouse Barbara Delaney; and many loving Delaney cousins. He was preceded in death by his father William Delaney and his mother Marion Mesik.

Bill graduated from Pascack Valley High School in 1976 and continued his education as a decorated basketball and baseball athlete at Mercy College, graduating in 1980. He then embarked on a successful career of 30+ years as a Courtroom Deputy for the late Honorable Deborah A. Batts and Honorable John M. Cannella at the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. To date, Bill may have been the only deputy whose work attire consisted of sneakers, shorts, ripped jeans, Green Bay Packer t-shirts, and colorful Deadhead ties with a Canadian tuxedo. Peers he worked with over the years have described him as utterly hilarious, stubborn, and mischievous; but above all fiercely loyal and kind.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Bill dedicated his time as a voluntary youth baseball coach, and served as an Assistant Coach at Mercy College. In 2011, Bill was inducted into the Mercy College Hall of Fame and honored with the Dr. Ann Grow Friend of Athletics Award for basketball and baseball thanks to his dedication to the school and student athletes.

In his recent retirement years, Bill was involved with coaching and umpiring at North Myrtle Beach Sports Complex, and was an active member of the Knights of Columbus and the Hibernian House. He deeply enjoyed spending time with his “breakfast club” buddies showing off pictures of his children and grandson, and could be frequently found playing a never ending game of fetch with his loyal companion Dougal.

Bill adored his children. He passed on his love of the New York Mets and Green Bay Packers to them, and bragged about Lil Timmy and KMD’s accomplishments to anyone who would listen. Fond memories were made on family vacations to Ocean Beach, skipping school to rollerblade on the 24th floor of a federal courthouse, trips to Great Adventure, and making up songs and jingles to practically anything.

Bill had a larger than life personality with a great sense of humor and caring soul. He was quick-witted and always ready to make a joke to bring light to any situation. His love for music, sports, family, and friends brought warmth to every conversation. Above all, Bill cherished the time spent with loved ones and was always willing to listen or provide a helping hand. He will never be forgotten.

A visitation for Bill will take place at Becker Funeral Home in Westwood, New Jersey on Friday, November 10, 2023, from 2-4pm and 6-8pm ET. The funeral service will follow on Saturday, November 11, 2023, at 10am ET at St. Anthony's Roman Catholic Church in Northvale, New Jersey. Following the funeral service, a celebration of life will be held at Reilly's Public House in Piermont, NY.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the National Organization of Rare Diseases at rarediseases.org/donate-nord/ (http://rarediseases.org/donate-nord/) in honor of his grandson, Zac.

The compassionate staff at Becker Funeral Home in Westwood, New Jersey is assisting