Terry Edward Delaney

Terry Edward Delaney was born on February 7th 1951 to parents James and Shirley Delaney in Los Angeles, California. The youngest of 4 children, Terry grew up in the Highland Park neighborhood of Los Angeles and graduated from Franklin High School in 1969. As a teenager, Terry would take a great interest in auto mechanics which would influence his life until the day he passed.

In 1969, the same year Terry graduated high school he enlisted in the US Navy. Terry would marry Shirley Jean Becker who lived across the street from him in Highland Park in Mexico in1970. 

 Initially stationed in Kingsville, TX Terry and Shirley had 2 beautiful children. The 1st, Tera Jean Delaney was born on January 12th, 1972. The 2nd Timothy Edward Delaney on August 15th 1973. During his career in the US Navy, Terry worked as a Flight Engineer eventually earning the rank of Petty Officer 1st Class. As a flight engineer Terry was stationed in California, but his responsibilities as an active duty member of the USN took Terry around the world to many exotic locations. While he was deployed Terry would see active duty in Japan, Guam, The Philippines, Okinawa, Hawaii and many other far off locations. As a Flight Engineer Terry was affectionately given the nickname “Max Power,” by his peers. Terry and his family would be stationed between 2 Naval Air Stations in California; Moffet Field in Mountain View California and what was then known as Pacific Missile Test Center Pt. Mugu. Terry would retire from the USN in 1989 from Pt. Mugu after serving his country for 20 years.

Following his retirement, Terry would continue to work in the aviation industry, eventually working for Tel Air International. There Terry would meet his present wife Mary Ann.

Mary and Terry would fall in love and were married on August 28th 1993 in Ventura, CA.

Terry would go to work for United as an aircraft mechanic and earned the love respect of his peers. A supervisor told Terry before he passed away that he was the most important tool in his toolbox. Terry’s innovative solutions in aircraft mechanics at United, including on one night using a 2 x 4 and a chain to fix a problem would earn him the title “El Coyote.” Terry would retire from United in 2020.

A hard worker with a great sense of humor, Terry was liked and loved by many. Terry enjoyed many hobbies but working on car projects was always a big part of his life and most memorable. Following his retirement from United Terry began to work as a volunteer for the Commemorative Airport of Southern California at Camarillo Airport. There he worked on WWII aircraft including the HellCat and the BearCat. He also worked on and got running a WWII era Willy’s military Jeep.

Terry is predeceased by his father James Delaney, his mother Shirley Delaney, his brother Michael Delaney, and his sister Peggy Christian.

Terry is survived by his 2 children, Tera Jean Delaney and Timothy Edward Delaney. Terry is further survived by his wife, Mary Ann Delaney, her 3 sons, 4 grandchildren, and 3 Great Grand children.

Terry’s celebration of life will be held at Conejo Mountain Memorial Park on December 7th, 2022 at 1pm in the afternoon.