Former Michigan Catholic reporter Robert Delaney is seen in this file photo from 2013. Delaney, who retired in 2013 after a 22-year career at the paper, died April 11 at the age of 65. (Larry Peplin, Special to The Michigan Catholic)Delaney, who was 65 years old, wrote for The Michigan Catholic for 22 years, retiring in 2013.
His stories become synonymous with The Michigan Catholic, covering some of the biggest news and events of the Archdiocese of Detroit during the past two decades, including two papal transitions and a new archbishop.
Delaney, who lived in Hamtramck, loved the city of Detroit and had a passion for his faith and the faith of the subjects about which he wrote, former colleagues recalled. An Episcopalian, Delaney “respected the Catholic Church genuinely and defended it ardently,” said Joe Kohn, public relations director for the archdiocese and a former Michigan Catholic reporter who worked alongside Delaney for 10 years.
“Bob was among the most intelligent people you’d ever meet, but what stood out to those who knew him were his sincerity and his friendship,” Kohn said. “He had a passionate love for God’s people, and genuine care for those he wrote about.”
In addition to writing for The Michigan Catholic, Delaney was a passionate theater critic who wrote theater reviews for The New Monitor, a Detroit alternative publication. Earlier in his career, Delaney was a reporter for the News-Herald of Southgate.
Delaney also taught economics at Walsh College in Troy, where he was beloved by many current and former students.
A funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 16, at St. John Episcopal Church, 2326 Woodward Ave., Detroit. Interment will be at a later date.
Delaney is survived by his mother, Edna Delaney of White Lake; a brother, Patrick Delaney of Hamtramck; an aunt; several cousins and many devoted friends and admirers.
