This week, we bid farewell to an agent of public service, William D. Delahunt, whose remarkable life and career left an indelible mark on the fabric of our community. His impact spans from the local halls of justice to the corridors of power in Washington D.C.
A Lasting Tribute: The William D. Delahunt Courthouse
In 2022, I was asked to photograph the Official Dedication of the Norfolk Superior Courthouse as the William D. Delahunt Courthouse on October 16, 2022. It was a poignant moment, with hundreds of colleagues, friends, and family packing the church next door to honor Bill's enduring legacy. The ceremony was a testament to the profound respect and admiration he garnered throughout his career.
Notable Participants at the Dedication
Several speeches were made outlining the impact Bill's career had, some of the most notable of which were given by former Governor of Massachusetts & presidential nominee Michael Dukakis and former U. S. Senator, Secretary of State and Special Presidential Envoy for Climate John Kerry. The complete line up of participants in the ceremony were: Norfolk County Sheriff's Honor Guard, The Honorable Patrick McDermott (Sheriff of Norfolk County), Right Reverend Father Jack Ahern, The Honorable Jack Shea (Chairman, Norfolk County Commission), Carolyn Help (President, Bar Association of Norfolk County), The Honorable Ronald Mariano (Speaker of the Massachusetts House of Representatives), Timothy Flaherty (former Norfolk County Assistant District Attorney), The Honorable Marianne Hinkle (First Justice of the Woburn District Court in MA), The Honorable Suzanne DelVecchio (former Chief Justice of the Superior Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts), Martin Weinberg (Criminal Defense Attorney), The Honorable Peter Agnes (former Judge of the District & Superior Courts and Justice of the Appeals Court), The Honorable Sydney Hanlon (former Associate Justice on the Massachusetts Appeals Court) and John Kivlan (former Norfolk County First Assistant District Attorney).
Honoring a Storied Career
Bill Delahunt's journey began as an assistant clerk in the Norfolk Superior Court, where his passion for justice and commitment to public service first took root. From there, he rose through the ranks, serving as lead adviser to the Quincy Police Department before embarking on a career in politics.
A Champion of Reform and Justice
As Norfolk County District Attorney, appointed by former Governor Michael Dukakis, Bill Delahunt was a trailblazer in implementing structural reform within the office. His initiatives, including budgetary reductions and the establishment of specialized units focused on issues such as sexual assault, child abuse, and domestic violence, set a precedent for law enforcement agencies nationwide.
Advocating for Equality and Civil Rights
Beyond the confines of the courthouse, Bill Delahunt was an advocate for equality and civil rights. He spearheaded initiatives such as the Student Alliance Against Racism & Violence and the Norfolk Human Rights Council, demonstrating his commitment to social justice and inclusivity.
A Voice for the Voiceless: From Congress to the Community
After his tenure in Congress, where he served seven terms on the House Judiciary Committee, Bill Delahunt continued to lend his expertise to various nonprofit boards and organizations. His dedication to serving the public good remained steadfast until his final days.
A Lasting Legacy
As we mourn the loss of William D. Delahunt, we also celebrate the enduring legacy of a man whose life was defined by service and leadership. In the words of former U.S. Senator and Secretary of State John Kerry, "Bill's commitment to justice, fairness, and the rule of law was unwavering, and his legacy will continue to inspire all who knew him.”
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