Daniel Henry Delaney

When you had the pleasure of meeting Dan Delaney, you had the great opportunity of making a friend for life.

Daniel Henry Delaney Jr passed away May 27, 2026 at age 75 at home in Lynchburg, Virginia, surrounded by the people he loved most, his family. Dan was blessed with two wonderful children, Kevin Delaney, Lauren and her husband Aaron Traphagen, two cherished grandchildren Calista and Olivia Traphagen and a truly compassionate wife of 52 years, Peg.

Born December 3, 1950 and raised in the town of Walpole, MA, he was the seventh of eight children of Daniel and Catherine (Shea) Delaney. He loved his family, he loved his home, he loved his town. He took pride in each and shared stories about them often. In his youth he earned the moniker of “Farmer Dan” by working at a local farm. He was a proud member of the class of 1968 of Walpole High School.

Dan’s service in the Navy opened his eyes to a love for the sea, for aeronautics, and for adventure. While serving as an air traffic controller, he was stationed in Quonset Point, Rhode Island, where he met the love of his life, Peggie Capasso. They married on October 21, 1973. Upon his honorable discharge they set sail for what would be a journey greater than anything prior.

Career opportunities came along. Some were close to where Dan and Peg lived in their first homes just south of Boston. Some opportunities led them further from home to Rhode Island, to New Mexico, and to Virginia.

Dan’s love of a new adventure fueled many of these transitions. Yet his love for his family as a steadfast provider was always his foundational aim.

Once retired, Dan and Peg charted a new plan, a new course which lasted many years. They took to the road. In an RV filled with life’s necessities…food, clothing, coffee maker, their little dog, and lots of hats for Dan, they navigated the valleys, mountains, beaches, and forests of this great country which he served so well.

As you can imagine, Dan made a friend everywhere they went. You see, he loved people. He made you feel comfortable with him. He did so out of love. Not for gain, not for duty or obligation, but for love. He was the fellow in the elevator who made a slow ride fun, he was the one at dinner who could break the silence with a story or a laugh, he was the guy who met your neighbors before you did. Dan, “The Happy Man” Delaney would approach anyone with a spirit of happiness to confidently reach out his hand to say, “Dan Delaney, nice to meet you!” And he genuinely meant it…every single time…he meant it.

Dan was every man’s friend. He was happy, and because he was with us, we would be happy as well.

Beloved husband of Peg (Capasso) Delaney.

Loving father of Kevin Delaney of Tigard, Oregon and Lauren Traphagen and her husband, Aaron, of Lynchburg, VA.

Cherished grandfather of Calista and Olivia Traphagen, also of Lynchburg.

Brother of Cathy LeBrun and her husband Tom of Westwood, Jeremiah Delaney of the Philippines, the late Patricia Murphy, the late Ann Howard, the late Sheila Flynn, the late Beth Delaney, and the late John Delaney, and by his “pieces of paper” Paul and Debbie Capasso of Norwood, MA, and Annette and Charlie Diauto of Maryville, TN.

Also survived by many, many nieces and nephews.

In remembrance of Dan, please join us for a visit and some smiles Saturday, September 26, 2026 from 1:00-3:00 pm at the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole. A Funeral Home Service will follow at 3:00 pm. Interment will take place privately at the request of Dan’s family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Dan’s name may be made to: Lifeworks of Westwood, (789 Clapboardtree St, Westwood, MA 02090 or www.lifeworks.org) to honor both Dan and his brother-in-law, Bobby Capasso. He and Bobby were like best buds, always making each other laugh.