James Richard "Dick" Delahunty

On December 6th 2023, James Richard "Dick" Delahunty, at the age of 88, took his last trip in this life as we know it.

Dick was born in Oil City, PA and attended Edinboro States Teachers College in Edinboro, PA on a football scholarship. Dick was very active in athletics throughout most of his life. After college he played one year of semi-pro baseball in Oklahoma City and, as a parent, he coached his children for over 11 years in football, basketball and baseball. Dick was an avid golfer and was a member of Cederwood County Club for over 20 years and spent his retirement years as a Ranger at Springfield Golf Club in Fort Mill, SC.

Dick served in the U.S Navy in the mid 1950's. Upon his discharge, he went to work with Reliance Electric and Engineering Company in Cleveland, Ohio, and then was employed at the Exchange Bank and Trust Company in Franklin, PA.

Dick spent the greater portion of his life in Sales and Marketing representing various food companies and food brokers. He has lived in Charlotte, NC since 1978.

He was a loving husband, brother, father, grandfather and uncle. He had lifelong friends from all walks of his life including childhood and remained in close contact with all of them through the years. Dick was a light-hearted optimist and could be unconventional, which was one reason people were so drawn to him. He lived his life at "full throttle". He was true to his heritage as a fun-loving Irish charmer who was smart, savvy and wise. With his passing, there is a little less joy in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to be swept into his swirling orbit.

During his retirement, he loved researching genealogy and tracing his family roots back to Ireland. He was active in his community and became a HOA consultant where he enjoyed the challenge of solving homeowner’s problems. He enjoyed traveling and spending quality time with friends and family. He was an original Carolina Panthers PSL owner and was also a loyal Steelers fan. His famous quote was "There are only 2 types of football fans – Steelers fans and those who want to be."

He cherished the 44 years he had his wife and soul mate, Suellen Clarkson Delahunty. He is also survived by son Michael Delahunty (Kathy) of Sherrills Ford, NC; Daughter, Kelly Ray of Fort Mill, SC; son in law Tim Brindley of Fort Mill, SC, step-son, Burt Welch (Tammie) of Fort Mill, SC; and step-son Bart Welch (Vicki) of Clover, SC. He also is survived by seven grandchildren; Kacey Brindley, Addison Delahunty, Garrett Ray, Peyton Ray, Caroline Welch, Thomas Welch, and Karli Welch.

Also surviving is his brother, Ronald Delahunty (Mary Lou), of Pittsburgh, PA, and many nephews and nieces.

His parents James E. and Edna Delahunty preceded him in death as did his daughter, Kristine Brindley, brother Carl Delahunty (Rosemary), his sisters Connie Myers and Barb Carlson and her husband Paul Carlson.

A Memorial Service will be held Friday December 8th at 2:00PM at Palmetto Funeral Home in Fort Mill (2049 Carolina Place Drive)

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Alzheimer's Association in Dick's honor.

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