John Joseph Delaney was born on March 6, 1947, in Ironton, Ohio, and passed away on May 12, 2026, in Wesley Chapel, Florida, at age 79, with his family by his side. He leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and memorable sayings.

John graduated from St. Joseph High School in Ironton, Ohio (class of 1965). He attended Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio until he was in an auto accident that prohibited his return. He finished his final year of college at Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia where he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree.

He spent more than 30 years in healthcare administration as a highly respected Human Resources executive, serving in senior roles at St. Mary’s Hospital in Huntington, West Virginia; University Community Hospitals in Tampa, Florida; and Pocono Medical Center in Pennsylvania. He later founded J Delaney Group, focusing on consulting and contract negotiations.

John met the love of his life, Carol, on a blind date when he was 17 and she was 15. They shared 56 years of marriage and built a life rooted in love and devotion. He adored his two daughters, Sarah McCabe (Bill) and Emily McGuire (Brian), and raised them to be strong, independent women, always expressing how proud he was of them.

John lived life to the fullest enjoying golf—highlighted by a hole-in-one—playing cards with friends, cheering for Notre Dame, and spending time with beloved pets.

A stubborn Irishman, John, embraced life wholeheartedly and brought personality to every room. He was known for his signature sayings, including “top of the morning to you,” “not on my watch,” “you’re in charge,” and “just another day in paradise.”

A friend to all and a stranger to none, he was also affectionately known as Dad, Johnny, Uncle Johnny, the Mayor, and Delaney.

A Mass honoring John will be held on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church in Tampa, followed by a celebration of life at his home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.