Paul J. Delaney's Obituary
Paul Joseph Delaney, was born October 21, 1954 to Paul and Janice Delaney in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. He was the eldest of four children. Eventually, the family would relocate to Brunswick, Maine where Paul graduated from Brunswick High School. In his youth, Paul developed a love for the guitar and decided after graduation to study at Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts.His passion for music, and dreams of becoming the next Jimi Hendrix, lured Paul and his friends from Massachusetts across the country to Southern California. They performed some, but grew tired of sleeping on floors. Paul decided to cut his long hair and find a real job. In Santa Barbara, Paul joined InfoMag, as an inventory clerk. With his strong work ethic, Paul quickly climbed the ranks to executive management, and was responsible for overseeing the company’s manufacturing plant in Tijuana, Mexico for 25 years. While in Mexico, he learned the culture, and Paul taught himself how to speak and read in Spanish. After InfoMag, Paul moved stateside and eventually retired in 2017.By the early 80s, Paul moved to San Diego and met his “Laupele,” or sweetheart, Rosey. They fell in love, and in 1986, Paul and Rosey married. They would raise their only daughter Shani residing in Serra Mesa. Paul and Rosey’s union to many was an example of true and unconditional love. His admiration for his wife included an admiration for her Polynesian Culture and family. He embraced Samoan traditions and cultures with many fondly referring to Paul as an “Island Boy.” As a sign of love for his wife and her culture, he eventually got an island tattoo of which he was very proud.Aside from family, Paul’s other favorite past time was sports. Many would hear his stories of his youth listening to his Red Sox or Boston Celtics on the radio when he was supposed to be sleeping. Paul loved golf which he learned to play golf while on a surveillance case in his pursuit of romancing his wife and spent many weekends on the course. Paul was also an avid bowler, winning several trophies with his bowling league in Santa Barbara. Paul was a natural body surfer and a beach bum while trying to out swim his grandkids. He coached youth basketball for his granddaughter Shanel’s basketball team. He also loved to beat his wife at volleyball, though he could not jump.Paul, aka “Honey or Gpa” could be best described as lovable, intelligent, and loyal. He was a kind man and he would give anything to help those in need. A sit down with Paul would guarantee a good conversation and lots of laughs. Paul’s life was an example of what can be accomplished through hard work and persistence, whether finding a career or a wife. He lived a life rich in experiences which taught him more than any university ever could. Paul was always willing to share his knowledge with those who sought his advice on a variety of matters. Paul left a lasting impression on all who encountered him and will be deeply missed.Preceding Paul in death are his parents and brother, Edward. He is survived by his wife Rosalia Siaki Delaney; His only daughter Tannyandra “Shani” (Armour) Crawford; Eight Grandchildren: Shanel, Ebony, Havanna, Skye, Taylor, Amia, Monica and Elton; Sister Jodi (Rodney) Kennybrew/NC, a Brother Presley Neal/ME. A host of brothers-in laws, sisters-in laws, nieces, nephews, and Godchildren. And, last but not least, his Bestie “Finny” the Pitbull. The funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM on May 27th, 2018 at the Salli Lynn Chapel located at Greenwood Memorial Park, 4300 Imperial Ave., San Diego, CA 92113.A Celebration of Paul’s Journey will be held from 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM at the Admiral Baker Clubhouse, located at 2400 Admiral Baker Rd., San Diego, CA 92124.
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