Deceased Members–2007

In Memory of Andy Delaney

Andrew Delaney, 86, passed away peacefully on January 20, 2007. He had lived with Parkinson's disease for many years. Delaney was an esteemed actuary, generous philanthropist and thoughtful friend. He was devoted to his family.

Delaney was born August 2, 1920 in Vienna, Ohio to John David Delaney and Elizabeth Lillian Wurstner Delaney. He graduated in 1942 from Oberlin College in Oberlin, Ohio with a B.A. in mathematics. Because he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force on December 8, 1941, Delaney was not able to complete his undergraduate work at Oberlin. Nevertheless, Oberlin awarded him a B.A. degree as he had maintained high scholastic achievement throughout his college career. He earned a second degree in 1943, a B.S. in meteorology from New York University. During World War II, he served as a meteorologist in the Air Force. He earned the rank of captain and received the Air Medal for meritorious achievement in his participation in flights for the Air Transport Command in 1943. After the war, he joined the Equitable Life Assurance Society of the U.S. as an actuarial trainee in 1946.

Two years later, upon completion of the 10 actuarial examinations, and obtaining the designation of Fellow, Society of Actuaries (FSA), Delaney was named mathematician of the company. He became assistant actuary of Union Central Life Insurance Company in 1949, and worked there until April 1, 1954, when he joined American General Life Insurance Company as vice president and actuary. In 1985, he retired as vice chairman of the board and chief investment officer of American General Corporation.

One of the most highly respected actuaries in America, Delaney served on the Board of Governors of the Society of Actuaries and on several of its most prestigious and important committees. He served other life insurance industry organizations as officer, director and as a member of committees and subcommittees too numerous to mention.

Delaney is survived by his wife, Pauline Mills Delaney, of Houston; his daughter Janet Delaney and her husband Jack Morrison; his brother Glen Delaney and wife Edith; his brother, Richard Delaney; his sister, Ann Blueter; many nieces and nephews; his stepdaughter, Beverly Hanson and husband Bob, and their children; and his stepson, Dr. William Edwards and wife Ann, and their children.