Thomas R. Delaney Obituary

Thomas R. Delaney of Cave Creek, AZ and Sharon, formerly of Westerville, OH and Ballwin, MO, passed away peacefully from this life of 65 years following a short illness on Wednesday, May 2, 2018, at 4:02 a.m. in Sherman Home Hospice of the Valley, Phoenix, AZ.

Tom was born July 21, 1952, in Ashland, Kentucky, the first of four children to Kenneth R. and Billie Jo (Runyon) Delaney.

After graduating from Gahanna Lincoln High School, Hahanna, OH, Class of 1970, he matriculated to Ohio University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Human Resource Management/Personnel Administration, graduating in 1974. Continuing his education while working, he graduated with honors from Franklin University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Resources/Business Management.

Tom retired as Vice President of Human Resources for Employee and Labor Relations for the North American division of Henkel Corporation, Dusseldorf, Germany serving from 2013-2016. He was previously the Director of Employee Relations at Henkel from 2002-2012 (formerly Dial Corparation). He was the Human Resources Manager in London, OH and St. Louis, MO for the Dial Corporation from September 1993-2001. He was a Human Resource Manager at Lennox International Eastern Division in Columbus, OH from 1986-1993. Tom was a member of the Society of Human Resource Management.

Tom's career as a Human Resources Vice President suited him as he was a communicator, first and foremost. His gift of being a skilled communicator made him an excellent boss and friend as he enjoyed meeting and talking with all people.

His love of reading provided him with broad knowledge about many areas. He was an active supporter of the Republican Party in Columbus, OH, beginning with campaigning with the Franklin County Clerk of Courts.

He was a sports aficionado for all sports with extensive knowledge of many teams and players, including being a fervent fan of The Ohio State Buckeyes Football. He was an accomplished golfer and enjoyed playing with friends and family at many courses throughout the country. He also was a member of Avalon at Buhl Country Club in Sharon, PA as well as Tatum Ranch Golf and Country Club in Cave Creek, AZ at which he served on the Board of Directors. Tom was most proud of the achievement of two hole-in-ones and a double eagle at Tatum Ranch Golf and Country Club.

Tom was an avid athlete. He enjoyed hiking, biking, and running marathons and triathlons, white water rafting, and most recently, fly fishing. He was a master scuba diver.

Tom and Judy enjoyed their extensive travels visiting family and friends across the country.

Tom is survived by his wife, Judith L. Tobias Delaney. They were married at Wallace Memorial Chapel at Westminster College, New Wilmington, PA on February 9, 1991 by the Rev. Bruce E. Beavers. They were members of Our Lady of Joy Parish in Carefree, Arizona.

Surviving him are his father, Kenneth R. Delaney, Seattle, WA and his wife Eoy. His daughters, Kari R. Delaney, Wilmington, NC, Gwendolyn A. Landis, Newark, OH, and four grandchildren: David, Kyle, Joseph "Joey", and Dylan. His brothers, Robert G. Delaney (Toni), David K. Delaney, Mark A. Delaney, all of Columbus, OH. Also surviving him is a sister-in-law, Annette Tobias Grande, Rowlett, TX.

His mother Billie Jo (Runyon) Delaney preceded him in death as well as his in-laws, Andrew S. and Eileen M. Furey Tobias. Also preceding him in death was a brother-in-law, James Grande, as well as William J. Dawosn, a special friend who was instrumental in the progression of Tom's career path in life and was considered by Tom to be a second father and a grandmother-in-law, Gertrude Steines Furey.

Tom will be missed by all those who knew and loved him, including, his beloved Havanese puppy, Olivia E. Havanasilk.

Friends may call on Friday, May 11, 2018 in the J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home from 7pm-9pm. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, May 12, 2018 at 10:00 am in St. Joseph Church, Sharon, PA, with Rev. Philip Oriole, as celebrant. Entombment will take place in St. Rose Mausoleum, Hermitage, PA.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in his memory be made to Community Library of the Shenango Valley, 11 North Sharpsville Ave. Sharon, PA 16146 or the Keystone Blind Association 3056 East State St. Hermitage, PA 16148.