WINTHROP, MASS. (WHDH) - The Winthrop Police Department is mourning the loss of an active duty detective who passed away suddenly on Thursday, officials announced Friday.
Detective Michael Delehanty, 58, died after suffering a “cardiac incident,” according to Winthrop police.
Delehanty had served as a police officer for 25 years and as a union electrical worker for more than 36 years. He had been out of work since July 2017, when he suffered a cardiac arrhythmia while on duty.
Police say Delehanty was known as a “strong yet gentle street cop with a fierce loyalty to the citizens of Winthrop.” He earned a reputation for always extending a helping hand to anyone in need.
In recent years, Delehanty is said to have served as the Winthrop police prosecutor at East Boston District Court. He was also the long-term president of the Winthrop Police Association.
The department praised Delehanty for being a “worker” because he would often log long hours to ensure he could provide a good life for his six children and one grandson.
Four of the six Delehanty children currently work as police officers, including Winthrop Police Chief Terence Delehanty.
A wake will take place on Monday from 4-8 p.m. at the Ernest P. Caggiano & Son Funeral Home in Winthrop. A funeral mass will be held at 9 a.m. on Tuesday at the Evangelist Church.
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