Charles F. Delano

On April 8, 2012, Charles Fisher "Jay" Delano joined his lifelong sweetheart and travel companion Patricia H. Delano in heaven. Married in 1947, these two longtime Topeka residents had celebrated 59 happy years together before Pat was sent to heaven to wait for him. As much as he loved and valued his family and friends, their reunion was his cherished anticipation.

Jay, son of Charles Francis and Eva May Delano, was born on February 12, 1923 in Hutchinson, Kansas. A veteran of WWII, Jay served his country as an Ensign in the Navy: a Seabee fighting in the Pacific Theater. He graduated from University of Kansas in Lawrence with a civil engineering degree and was a member of Sigma Chi. He was a participant in the WWII V12 program to grant bachelor's degrees to future officers of the Navy. He and Pat were avid adventurers who loved traveling all over the world together. Jay was a devout Christian who was very active in the Episcopal Church and in his community. A philanthropist, he espoused many charitable causes, notably St. Francis Boy's Home, and Grace Cathedral Episcopal Church.

Jay is survived by his three children: Douglas H., Stephen C., and Patricia S. Delano; six grandchildren: Melissa Delano, Jeremy Worcester, Stephanie Delano Andrews, Joscelyn Adams, Ian Delano and Winchell Delano; 4 great grandchildren: Tobias West, Jayda Worcester, Mia Worcester, and Tallyn Adams; as well as his loving four-legged children, Sam and Sara. Delano's don't "pass on": we don't pass on the wine (we drink it), we don't pass on the butter (we use it), and we don't pass on dessert (we eat it first). So grab a glass of Cabernet and toast to the celebration of Jay's life with us!

A memorial service will be at Grace Cathedral Episcopal Church, 701 S.W. Eighth Avenue, in Topeka, at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, April 14, with reception to follow. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Francis Boy's Home, 5085 W. Cloud Street, Salina, KS 67401 or Grace Cathedral Episcopal Church in Topeka.