Obituary of Dr. William T. Delaney

Dr. William T. Delaney, passed away at the miraculous age of 96 on April 1, 2021, while residing at the Nottingham. Born and raised in Auburn, he was a practicing dentist in Syracuse for 40 years. Many patients began as children and continued on to bring their offspring to the home office on Rugby Road. A 1951 graduate of Georgetown University Dental School, thanks to the GI Bill and predental preparations at Niagra University provided his training for the “best career he could have ever chosen.” As the former director of Dental Health for the Onondaga County Health Department for 38 years, he implemented innumerable programs for the community. His most prized accomplishment was establishing a community fluoridation program for Syracuse in 1964 that later encompassed all of Onondaga County. The official pen used to sign it into law, by then Mayor William F. Walsh, hangs on the family room wall to this day! He further deployed dental health hygienists to all Public, Parochial and Private schools in both the City and County to promote strong dental health habits. Dr. Delaney was a member of: Onondaga Dental Society, 5th District Dental Society, New York State Dental Association, American Dental Association, United States Public Health Association and the New York State Public Health Association. Dr. Delaney was an Emeritus member of the Dental Staff at St. Joseph’s, University and Community Hospitals. Like so many of the “Greatest Generation”, he served proudly in WWII as a Corporal in the Armored Division in the United States Army under General George Patton in the European Theatre of operations. For all that knew Dr. Delaney, he was detail oriented, quick of wit and extremely proud of his Irish Heritage. He possessed a deep love for his religious faith, family, City of ‘Cuse, SU Basketball and dental profession. Fiercely independent, he fastidiously maintained his home and lawn in Sedgwick Farms area for 60 years. His devoted wife of 70 years, Carolyn, predeceased him in 2010. Left to honor and cherish his memory are his daughters: Pat (Doug) Stone of PA, Lynn (Phil) Pitman of FL; son William Delaney of SC; grandsons: Brian & Doug; and great grandchildren: Ryan, Aubrey and Delaney. The funeral mass will be held on April 8, 2021 at 10:30am in Blessed Sacrament Church with burial to follow in Onondaga County Veterans Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Blessed Sacrament Church. A life well lived. A life well earned.