Herbert E. Delehanty

Herbert Edward Delehanty, Sr., 96, fortified with the Sacraments of the Catholic Church, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at Cedarhurst Senior Living of St. Charles.

He was born on September 6, 1929, in Alton, Illinois to Harry Joseph Delehanty and Flora Mae Massears. He attended St. Patrick Elementary School and graduated from Alton High School in 1947.

In 1951, he met Geraldine Warden at Johnson’s Skating Rink in Granite City, Illinois. They had their first date on St. Patrick’s Day of that year and were married on October 6. He said of their brief courtship, “When you know, you know.” They were happily married for 68 years, until Geri’s death in 2019.

Herb and Geri were devoted parents of six children; Marian (Gerald) Davis, Carol (Gary) Rocca, Herbert Delehanty, Jr. (Sylvia O’Connor), Nancy (David) Hoffman, Janet Delehanty (Cathy Yadamec) and Joseph Delehanty; cherished grandfather of nine, great-grandfather of three (two more expected by the end of the year); and dear brother of Shirley Delehanty Heitzman. Herb is preceded in death by a granddaughter, his parents, five brothers, and one sister.

Herb’s faith was important to him, and he was a contributing member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Cottleville where he was highly active in both church and school activities for 59 years. He served in many ministries, most recently as an usher at the 9:00 AM Sunday Mass.

He proudly served in the U.S. Air Force from 1951 until 1955. After being honorably discharged from the Air Force, he went to work at Emerson Electric and later at McDonnell Douglas Electronics Corporation as a Senior Specialist Systems Analyst where he retired in 1987.

Following his retirement, Herb discovered a fulfilling avocation: restoring bicycles acquired from garage sales. His home, located on a busy street, became a local hub for those seeking affordable bikes. He had a soft spot for people who were struggling and frequently gave bicycles away. He was particularly touched when a young man who he had given a bike a couple of months prior stopped to thank him, telling him that because of the bike, he was able to get a job and become more independent.

As time passed, Herb became known locally as the “bicycle man” and people would drop off unwanted bikes. He soon had more bikes than he could sell so he would load them into the back of his truck and take them to the New Life Evangelistic Center in St. Louis and to his boyhood home of Alton, IL where he would give them to anyone who desired one.

Donations may be made in memory of Herb to the Adopt a Family Program at St Joachim and Ann. Contributions will be directed to the bicycle program.

Following the service, family and friends are invited to 725 Woodbriar Lane, St Charles to share food, laughter, and memories from 1:30-3:30pm.