Condolences on the Passing of Rear Admiral Kevin F. Delaney (Ret.)

April 8, 2015

To the JU Community,

We are deeply saddened today to learn of the passing of one of our most selfless and influential former Trustees, Rear Admiral Kevin F. Delaney (Ret.).

Admiral Delaney, a proud father of two Jacksonville University graduates, Kelly and Seana, served faithfully as a member of the Board of Trustees for Jacksonville University from 2004 to 2011, and served his country in the U.S. Navy for 34 years, including flying nearly 700 combat missions in Southeast Asia and later leading as a Regional Commander for the Southeastern United States and the Caribbean.

His contributions to Jacksonville University are numerous, and it is well worth noting several: he dedicated countless hours to ensuring the improvement of the campus while on the Buildings and Grounds Committee; served on the important Nominating and Trustee Governance and Executive committees, as well as on the ad hoc Campus Security committee as its chair; and, with his devoted and loving wife, Pat, gave generously to the University, to advance scholarship among our students and to improve our NROTC library, among other areas.

To give you an idea of the kind of deep regard Admiral Delaney held for others, consider that, even while diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer this past year, he took under his wing his Patient Care Technician at Mayo Clinic, Yulia Claxton, advocating that she join our University’s Nursing program, where she is soon to begin her studies to improve her own future and the future well-being of others. It’s just one example of Admiral Delaney’s broad impact – working behind the scenes, with no regard for acknowledgement – in helping so many of our students find their way and excel.

The accolades for Admiral Delaney will pour in from far and wide in the coming days, for his extraordinary contributions to our community and country in public service, industry, the military, philanthropy and so much more. I wanted to make sure, as a proud Dolphin, to make note of just how much he gave of his time and resources to improve the prospects of Jacksonville University and the lives and our students.

Our most heartfelt sympathies are with his wife, Pat; daughters Kelly, Seana and Diana; and their families.

Sincerely,

Tim Cost
President
Jacksonville University
Class of 1981