PVA past president leaves behind a legacy of veterans’ service
Michael F. Delaney, a Vietnam War veteran who became a leading advocate for disabled veterans’ rights and who played a key role in passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), died Aug. 6 at his home. He was 76.
Delaney died peacefully surrounded by his loved ones, including his wife of 52 years, Kathryn, and their four children, according to his family.
Born in Detroit in 1948, Delaney served in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War. A severe car accident during his military service left him paralyzed but did not diminish his commitment to helping others.
After his injury, Delaney dedicated his career to veterans’ advocacy. He served as national president of Paralyzed Veterans of America from 1980 to 1982 and worked for 26 years in the organization’s Corporate Development Office, securing corporate sponsorships for the National Veterans Wheelchair Games.
His advocacy extended beyond veterans’ issues. Delaney was instrumental in lobbying efforts that led to passage of the ADA in 1990, and he worked to ensure accessibility and equal rights for people with disabilities nationwide.
Delaney also made significant contributions to his local community in Silver Spring, Md. He served as coach and athletic director for the Catholic Youth Organization at St. Camillus Catholic Church, continuing to coach long after his own daughters had aged out of the program. He and his wife regularly drove through their neighborhood to pick up players for practices and games, ensuring no child was left behind.
Visitation will be held from 4-8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 13 at Hines-Rinaldi Funeral Home, 11800 New Hampshire Ave., Silver Spring, Md. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 14 at Saint Patrick Catholic Church, 4101 Norbeck Road, Rockville, Md. Burial will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Paralyzed Veterans of America or Montgomery Hospice.
