Funeral Information for PC Valentine Arthur Delory Retired North York Fire L752
Valentine Arthur Delory – February 1927 ~ November 2022
On Saturday, November 5th, 2022, Val passed peacefully in his 96th year at the West Parry Sound Health Centre. Born in Toronto, he was the baby of the family, the youngest of seven and dotted on by all. A larger-than-life personality and the last of that generation of the family. He began his career as a professional hockey player with the New York Rangers but that was short-lived due to injury.
He quickly found his second career and passion with the North York Fire Department where he served for 38 years, retiring in 1992. He deeply valued the many lifelong friendships he formed with his fellow Firefighters.
His happy place was at the cottage on lake Isabella, an avid fisherman and gardener. A hater of the red squirrel and a friend to the chipmunks and hummingbirds. In the winter he retired to Largo, Florida enjoying golf, his garden and making many wonderful friends over rye and ginger, his drink of choice.
Val was a beloved husband, father and grandfather and he was delighted when this past summer he became a great-grandfather to Ada and Benjamin. He leaves behind his four children, John DeLory and his wife Sandra, Dan DeLory and his wife Kathy, Heather DeLory and Sandy DeLory and her husband Norm Williams. Val will also be dearly missed by his grandchildren, James, Alex, Diana, Alanna and Jennifer and his many nieces and nephews. In recent years Val suffered a number of heartbreaking events, the loss of his brother Wilf, eldest daughter Bonnie, his lifelong friend and fellow Firefighter, Les Pratt, and then his beloved second wife Alice Simone.
The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at the West Parry Sound Health Centre for their compassion and caring, especially Dr. Witt. Also, the amazing staff at Serenity Sr Residence for their care and patience. Most importantly we’d like to thank my Dad’s dear friend Ed Slater for his friendship, patience and unwavering support.
A service will be held at Torrance Funeral Home in Parry Sound at 12 Noon on Monday, November 14, 2022. A celebration of life will take place at a later date in Toronto.
In lieu of flowers donations to the West Parry Sound Health Centre Foundation would be welcomed.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Valentine Arthur DeLory, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store – https://torrance-funeral-home.tributestore.com/?oId=26311584.
Our deepest condolences go out to his family and friends from all our Fire Fighter Retiree Groups.
In Solidarity, Retired Toronto Fire Fighters Association I.A.F.F. Local 3888