Obituary for Judge Sean Robert Delahanty
Judge Sean Robert Delahanty, a man of chivalry and courage, left this earth on January 27th, 2023 peacefully and in his home with his wife, Donna, at his side. He retired from the Jefferson County District Court bench in 2019, having served as Chief Judge during his twenty year tenure. Judge Delahanty was the son of Hon. Robert E. Delahanty and Dolores S. Delahanty. He was aged 71.
Judge Sean Robert Delahanty is survived by his wife of 32 years, Hon. Donna Delahanty; his mother, Dolores S. Delahanty; his children, Nathan Delahanty and Clare Delahanty (Christian Street); his siblings, Hon. Kevin W. Delahanty, Shannon Delahanty, Tim Delahanty and TJ Delahanty (Caroline); and his loving cousin, Father Patrick Delahanty. He is also survived by his nieces, Grace Delahanty (David Harryman); Hollin Delahanty, Katy Delahanty, Amy Delahanty (Joe Sepe), Shannon Delahanty (Forrest Pass) and Jennifer Perks; his nephews, Cullen Clark (Kelli), Brennan Clark, Andrew Delahanty, Jamal Delahanty, Joseph Nattress, Raymond Nattress, and Daniel Nattress (Trisha); and by his godson, Sean Michael Kelly (Cassie). Numerous great nieces and nephews will miss their Uncle Sean.
Judge Delahanty lived a life inspired by the adventures of Don Quixote, the legendary Spanish knight-errant. He was known for his unwavering commitment to justice and relentless pursuit of doing the right thing. Judge Sean Delahanty had an eighteen year legal practice in defense work before his election to the bench. He represented IUE761, considered himself a union man, and his great pleasure was assisting in union negotiation. Throughout his legal career Judge Delahanty was admired for his boldness and bravery, and his unwavering dedication to protecting the rights of the marginalized.
With his keen wit and quick mind, Judge Delahanty was a champion for the working- class, standing up for what was right, no matter the odds. In a world where the values of fairness and equality are often overlooked, Judge Delahanty lived life on his own terms.
Judge Delahanty was elected as a judge in 1999. Prior to his election, he was Chairman of the Jefferson County Democratic Party. Once retired, Judge Delahanty devoted much of his time revitalizing Greenwood Cemetery with his friend Mike King. Judge Delahanty enjoyed traveling with Donna, golfing with friends, and creating gardens. He will be very much missed by those who loved him and by his community.
As he is laid to rest, those who knew and loved Judge Delahanty will remember him as a man who fought tirelessly for justice and inspired those around him to be their best selves. May he rest in peace.
Visitation will be held at Highlands Funeral Home, 3331 Taylorsville Road, Louisville Kentucky 40205 on Saturday, February 4, 2023 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. followed by a memorial service in the Highlands Funeral Home Chapel. An Irish Wake will follow the service with the location to be announced at the memorial.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Greenwood Cemetery Community Partners LLC (donation through Stock Yards Bank), Gilda’s Club, or the Portland Museum.
Judge Sean Robert Delahanty is survived by his wife of 32 years, Hon. Donna Delahanty; his mother, Dolores S. Delahanty; his children, Nathan Delahanty and Clare Delahanty (Christian Street); his siblings, Hon. Kevin W. Delahanty, Shannon Delahanty, Tim Delahanty and TJ Delahanty (Caroline); and his loving cousin, Father Patrick Delahanty. He is also survived by his nieces, Grace Delahanty (David Harryman); Hollin Delahanty, Katy Delahanty, Amy Delahanty (Joe Sepe), Shannon Delahanty (Forrest Pass) and Jennifer Perks; his nephews, Cullen Clark (Kelli), Brennan Clark, Andrew Delahanty, Jamal Delahanty, Joseph Nattress, Raymond Nattress, and Daniel Nattress (Trisha); and by his godson, Sean Michael Kelly (Cassie). Numerous great nieces and nephews will miss their Uncle Sean.
Judge Delahanty lived a life inspired by the adventures of Don Quixote, the legendary Spanish knight-errant. He was known for his unwavering commitment to justice and relentless pursuit of doing the right thing. Judge Sean Delahanty had an eighteen year legal practice in defense work before his election to the bench. He represented IUE761, considered himself a union man, and his great pleasure was assisting in union negotiation. Throughout his legal career Judge Delahanty was admired for his boldness and bravery, and his unwavering dedication to protecting the rights of the marginalized.
With his keen wit and quick mind, Judge Delahanty was a champion for the working- class, standing up for what was right, no matter the odds. In a world where the values of fairness and equality are often overlooked, Judge Delahanty lived life on his own terms.
Judge Delahanty was elected as a judge in 1999. Prior to his election, he was Chairman of the Jefferson County Democratic Party. Once retired, Judge Delahanty devoted much of his time revitalizing Greenwood Cemetery with his friend Mike King. Judge Delahanty enjoyed traveling with Donna, golfing with friends, and creating gardens. He will be very much missed by those who loved him and by his community.
As he is laid to rest, those who knew and loved Judge Delahanty will remember him as a man who fought tirelessly for justice and inspired those around him to be their best selves. May he rest in peace.
Visitation will be held at Highlands Funeral Home, 3331 Taylorsville Road, Louisville Kentucky 40205 on Saturday, February 4, 2023 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. followed by a memorial service in the Highlands Funeral Home Chapel. An Irish Wake will follow the service with the location to be announced at the memorial.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Greenwood Cemetery Community Partners LLC (donation through Stock Yards Bank), Gilda’s Club, or the Portland Museum.