Obituary of William Richard DeLaney

Age 85 of Elmira passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 18, 2018 at the Bath VA Medical Center. Bill was born in Elmira the son of John and Elizabeth Sullivan DeLaney. He was predeceased by his brother, Jack DeLaney, sisters, Mary Elizabeth DeLaney and Martha DeLaney Peck. Bill is survived by his loving wife Janice Steppy DeLaney; son James J. DeLaney; several cousins. Bill was a graduate of Colgate University and Cornell Law School. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran and while in the Air Force worked with the security team that accompanied entertainer Bob Hope on one of his countless trips to entertain U.S. military personnel. Bill was a longtime attorney in the Elmira area. He was active in Democrat politics for many years. Bill was on the campaign staff, and very involved with, Robert Kennedy's 1964 successful race to represent New York State in the United States Senate. He was also active in helping New York State Governor Hugh Carey during his two terms in office. Bill was a communicant of St. Patrick's Church, a member of the Elmira City Club and Elmira Country Club. Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Patrick's Church, 604 Park Place, Elmira, on Wednesday, November 7, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. Committal prayers and interment, with military honors, will follow at St. Peter and Paul's Cemetery.