Bob Delaney
In the 1980s, Manhattan Comprehensive Night & Day High School was fortunate to meet a new volunteer—Bob Delaney, who had recently retired after a long and distinguished career at Brooklyn Union Gas. Deeply moved by the students he worked with, Mr. Delaney felt compelled to do more. His insistence on the importance of higher education resulted in him leading the formation of the school’s first college advisement office. That office, run by CYD in partnership with the school, continues to be a vital resource today.
When CYD was incorporated in 1995 (as Comprehensive Development, Inc.), Bob joined the founding Board of Directors as Board Chair. He later transitioned to the Board of Advisors, where he continued to actively support CYD’s mission until his death in 2021. Bob worked tirelessly to support the dreams of young men and women who wanted a chance to succeed in higher education. In 2008, Bob and his wife, Marie, established the Robert and Marie Delaney Scholarship Fund to support graduates of Manhattan Comprehensive by providing for non-tuition expenses like books, transportation, and computers. Inspired by Bob’s example, his grandsons have worked with CYD’s students with a coaching program to help students broaden their college aspirations and explore four-year and private colleges; Matt with his company colleagues volunteered for Saturday SAT prep sessions.
Bob Delaney, Marie Delaney, and David Bolotsky
Bob and Marie’s legacy continues through their family, including Robert V. Delaney Jr., and daughter-in-law, Pam Craig. In 2004, Pam joined the CYD Board and served as Chair for 9 years until 2021. During that time, she spearheaded the searches for CYD’s current Executive Director, Michael Roberts, who joined the organization in 2013, and his predecessor, John Mancuso. Under Pam’s leadership, the organization expanded from one high school to three, and established the CYD Career Academy, an innovative CBO-community college partnership that provides postsecondary healthcare certificate training and employment services. Pam remains active on the Advisory Board. In addition to volunteerism and contributions to the scholarship fund, Bob, Jr. and Pam have also provided significant unrestricted funding to CYD over the years. Bob and Marie’s son Chris and his late wife Carmel have also contributed significant support, as have numerous members of the extended family, including Marie’s sister, Theresa, and the younger generation of grandchildren. For over 30 years, the Delaney family’s support has shaped countless moments, relationships, and achievements at CYD. In recognition of their impact, we are honored to celebrate the Delaney family at our 30th Anniversary Celebration this October. Their commitment to partnership and to creating opportunities for underserved communities continues to guide our vision and inspire the work we do every day.
Pam Craig, Marie Delaney, Jean Craig
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