DELAY, EDWARD MICHAEL - It is with heavy hearts that the family announce the peaceful passing of beloved husband, father and grandfather, Edward Michael DeLay of Rothesay, which occurred November 18, 2013, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Saint John, N.B., September 18, 1932, to the late Annie Loretta (Walsh) and James Leo DeLay of Saint John. After graduating from St. Vincent’s High School, in June 1950, Edward took a two year apprenticeship in bricklaying with ACME Construction Ltd., after which he went into business with Ernest Taylor, forming the company “Taylor-DeLay Mason Contractors” until 1952. A few years later Edward formed his own company known as “Edward M. DeLay General Contractor Ltd.” He continued his contracting work across the province of New Brunswick until 1980. June 1984, he fulfilled his dream and built a restaurant known as “Sir Edward’s Smorgasbord” on Rothesay Avenue. “Sir Edward” was known to all who entered the doors until 1993 when he officially retired. Edward was an active member of his parish, Our Lady of Perpetual Church, as a Eucharistic Minister and Third Degree Knight of Columbus. He served as President of the Multiple Sclerosis Society from 1969-1972. He was treasurer of the Kings West Liberal Association from 1950-1960 and President of Fair Vale Elementary Home and School and treasurer of the Fair Vale Outing Association in the late 1960’s. Edward enjoyed cruising the Caribbean, trips to Florida and winters in Spain. He loved the sport of flying a plane and boating up the Saint John River. Despite all of his interests and contributions, his biggest love was his family. Special memories were Sunday afternoons at the piano and family dinners. Edward was predeceased by his parents James and Annie (Walsh) DeLay, sister, Audrey DeLay, brother, Father James DeLay, infant brother Lawrence, infant son Gerard DeLay and daughter-in-law Roseanne DeLay. He will be deeply missed by his loving wife of fifty seven years, Barbara Ann (Dick) and his children Michael (Pam) DeLay, Rothesay; Ann (Vahid) Kahnamelli; Coquitlam, B.C., James DeLay, Calgary; Catherine (Michael) Guyette Calgary; Mary (Glenn) Miller, Quispamsis; John DeLay, Saint John; Patricia (Michael) King, Quispamsis; Joan (Michael) Cormier, Rothesay; Jennifer (Owen) Boyle, Saint John; twenty-three grandchildren and one great grandson. He is survived by his brother William (Valerie) DeLay, Calgary and several nieces and nephews.
Resting at Fundy Funeral Home, 230 Westmorland Road, Saint John (646-2424) with visitations on Thursday, November 21 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated from Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, on Friday, November 22 at 11 a.m. A private family interment will take place in St. Joseph’s Cemetery at a later date. For those who wish, donations can be made to the New Brunswick Heart and Stroke Foundation, Alzheimer’s Society, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church or to the charity of the donor’s choice. www.fundyfuneralhome.com