Obituary of Ronald L. Delaney

MSG. Ronald L. Delaney, USA, (Ret.), 67, of Sherrill NY died peacefully at home with his wife and daughter by his side on Tuesday, February 20, 2024. Ron had resided in Sherrill since 1995, moving there after 21 years of service in the United States Army. Born in Rome on December 10, 1956, he was son of Thomas Herbert and Anna May Halpin Delaney. Being youngest of the 5 boys, he knew his place in the family dynamic. He got thumped by his older brothers on a regular basis, but they would defend him against any outside attacks. Ron attended Rome City Schools – Harvey E. Alter, Strough JH, and Rome Free Academy. From an early age, Ron viewed the military through the eyes of his father "Herbie", and his uncles. The Delaney and Halpin men told stories of service during World War II. Later on, there were more tales from his brothers, Thomas Jr., Donald, and John. Ron decided early in Junior High School, that he could graduate one year early to begin his own exploits and adventures. Along the way he gained some major skill-sets and a much needed level of maturity. Ron left Rome shortly after high school graduation in July 1974. Leaving home was both terrifying and yet eye opening for a small town kid. The military proved a good fit for him, both physically and mentally. In advanced training at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, Ron made Honor Graduate for his specialty and was offered another add-on course as a reward. He also was top grad for this additional skill level. For this, he was quickly promoted. His next assignments were at Fort Benning, GA, Mountain Ranger Camp Dahlonega GA, and then to Camp Ames Korea working in missile maintenance. With a lucky unit move, Ron returned to upstate New York landing at Seneca Army Depot. Ron opted for more advanced training into a long closed and mostly defunct specialty, gaining him quick promotion to Staff Sergeant, followed in another quick succession to Sergeant First Class. This last promotion was done in eight and one half years in, unheard of in a post-Vietnam/peacetime Army. Off again, this time in Zweibrucken Germany. Here, he was astounded with great duty position along with travel destinations throughout Europe. Small town kid in large European cities and their cultures and his horizons were expanded. Free time was spent in Paris and Munich museums where his love of art and graphics would shape his post military life. Ron was then selected for the US Army Recruiting course. Once again, with bold networking, Ron managed an assignment to the Utica Recruiting office in. For once, he was a fish out of water, being disenchanted with the assignment, but God had plans. In Utica he met and married his wife Virginia (Ginny) Border after a very brief courtship (Nov 21, 1986). Being a "Marine Corps Brat", Ginny was prepared for a military lifestyle full of challenges and adventures. Recruiting duty completed, Ron & Ginny moved on to the remote assignment on the Big Island of Hawaii with duty at Pohakuloa Training Area (PTA). They thrived as a newlywed couple, having many adventures together. The running joke of Ron's Adventure tours was created there. He planned them all the time, but really never knew where or how these were going to end up. Only child, daughter Johanna Catherine was born in July 1989 in Hilo. Feeling both satisfied and challenged, Ron was ready to settle in at PTA but the Army had other needs and promoted him to Master Sergeant at the 15 year mark. Those familiar with the military process will know how remarkable this was. After four years in Hawaii, the family was off to 1st Calvary Division, Fort Hood Texas. But four months in, with moving boxes still unpacked, the Army wanted Ron back in Germany. While being in a shortage specialty had advantages, there were disadvantages too. To complete the Germany tour, a year and a half would be added to his enlistment through their stop-loss program. While returning to Germany was a comfortable move, Ron needed an exit plan for his retirement, and he enrolled into a four year college program by fax machine. Eligible for his next promotion, Ron stuck to his plan, moving toward retirement and college back home in New York State. Having grown up with in a low income family, he felt that sting strongly all his life. His mother had insisted all of her kids would graduate from high school, but higher education was not a priority. Ron saw this as his ticket to a solid after military life. Leaving the Army in August 1995, Ron, Ginny, and Johanna decided on Sherrill NY as a landing pad. Ron attended Cazenovia College in the Advertising Graphics Design program. As a Master Sergeant, the return to civilian life major adjustment was surely needed. Being surrounded for 20 years in the Army by kids, Ron could relate to his college classmates, but the college itself bent over backwards to make his transition easy, and he remembered it as a very pleasant experience. Cazenovia Colleges' coursework was both challenging and well-rounded. Ron's need to "reinvent" himself into civilian life, was both necessary for success, and to shed him from the military demeanor (never happened). Ron graduated, Summa Cum Laude, ranked 2nd in his class of 1999. Ron worked in various graphics positions, but he never felt comfortable. He never really fit in as he was the old man at 40 years old. In yet another reinvention moment, Ron went to work at the Defense Finance and Accounting (DFAS) in Rome. Drawing from his Army Logistics skill-set, he gained confidence quickly from managers and co-workers alike. He remained for 13 years and opted for retirement at age 62. He offers special thoughts and departing love to DFAS friends, Anh Bui, Ruth Hanrahan, and Jennifer Matwijec. In 2014, time once again to "reinvent" himself, Ron started (with his dragged along family) Tiny House Farm Augusta New York. More as a "life-challenging" venture, its purpose was primarily for forest grown mushrooms and later on, berries, fruits, and specialty produce. While never a major financial success (Covid crushed plans), new skills were gained, the highest quality met, and many friends were made. With diagnose of stage 4 lung cancer made in July 2021, the difficult decision to close was made in May 2022. Ron never had a hobby in his life. Unless you count his constant need to learn more. Through that learning he took on numerous passions. Those ranged from photography, family genealogy, disaster prepping, gardening, and finally Tiny House Farm. Through all of these, he met people, had adventures and gained more knowledge. Which led him into the next phase of his life. He would talk with anyone for hours about anything. Though politics was not a favorite topic. Ron was a strong believer in Karma and would find a way to earn "more points". He was generous with his time and talents. Always happy to share what he could do with others. One of his more annoying traits was the need to be correct all time. And, most of the time, he was. The knowledge he learned over his life stayed with him and he was always pleased as punch to show it off. Especially when he could prove the point. Ron is survived by his wife, best friend and love of 37 years; Ginny, and daughter Johanna. He was predeceased by his parents, and brother Kenneth (2021). He leaves behind brothers Thomas (Fayetteville NC), Donald and John of Rome NY and sister Patricia of Stanwix. And niece Wendi and nephews, Ken Jr, Todd, Dave, Jesse and Ryan and many cousins both Delaney and Halpin. In keeping with Ron wishes, there will be no services. To honor him, spend some time with family and get family stories down on paper. Cremation followed by interment at Saint Mary's Cemetery, Rome New York, next to family members. A life well lived, no complaints to be made.