Obituary of Joseph A. Delano

Joseph Arthur Delano was born at Waldo County General Hospital on April 17, 2001. The Lord took him home on September 27, 2015. Joseph, more commonly known as “Joe”, was a freshman at Belfast Area High School. Joe was an avid fisherman and hunter and would drive anything with a motor. He was an old soul, loved old country music, and would often be heard singing his favorites. He loved hanging out at Murphy’s Gun Shop and swapping stories with all the guys. He enjoyed going to Bowen’s for breakfast and sitting at the “B.S.” table. Joe was a recipient of a heart transplant at the age of 2 at the Boston Children’s hospital. He was surrounded by exceptional staff during his time there, most notably his beloved Dr. Leslie Smoot, and he continued to have excellent care there. Joe’s health challenges continued all throughout his life, including battling lymphoma at the age of 12. He was exceptionally brave and wise beyond his years as he fought through all of this, and was an encouragement to all those around him. Joe was a born again Christian, and frequently asked for everyone to sing Amazing Grace – his favorite hymn – at Sunday night sing alongs. The family takes comfort in his great faith and assurance that he was headed to sit in the lap of Jesus. Joe is survived by his immediate family, including: Parents David and Edna Delano, mother Dawn Lear, brothers Samuel Lear and Zachary Lear, uncles Luke, David, Chuck, Matt, Roy, and Al; aunts Dee, Jane, Mary, Jeanette, and Kellee; immediate cousins Elias, Jadon, Ezra, Simeon, Deacon, Alanna and Jaslyn; and too many other family members and friends to list. He was predeceased by his great-grandmother Edna Rideout, grandparents Osborne and Ona Delano, his Oma Lisa Lear, and Uncles Ozzie and David. The viewing will be held at Riposta Funeral Home, 182 Waldo Avenue, Belfast on Friday, October 2, from 5-7 PM. The service will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, October 3, at Morrill Baptist Church, with a graveside service to follow at Grove Cemetery in Belfast.