Our History

Delehanty Funeral Home was founded in 1949 by Thomas and Lorraine Delehanty in the Weldon farmhouse at the corner of North Second Street and Merrill Avenue. In 1955, the business moved to its present location at 401 River Lane, where it has remained a part of the Loves Park community for more than 70 years.

In its early years, Delehanty Funeral Home played a vital role in the community beyond funeral service. Tom and Lorraine operated Loves Park’s first ambulance service until 1971, and from 1950 to 1961, the funeral home also served as the city’s first police and fire communications center. Calls were directed to the Delehantys, who passed information along to emergency responders—often from the second-floor kitchen where countless conversations and friendships were built.

As Loves Park grew, so did the funeral home. A major addition in 1970 expanded the building by 2,500 square feet, followed by another addition in 1984, bringing the total space to over 10,000 square feet. Today, Delehanty offers the largest facilities in the area, with seating for 300 and modern spaces for services, arrangements, and gatherings.

The funeral home’s history is also shaped by the dedication of its longtime staff, including Tim Conway, who joined in the 1980s, Rebecca VanZuiden in the 1990s, and Joe Trapani in the 2000s. Their years of service reflect the enduring commitment of Delehanty Funeral Home to Loves Park, Machesney Park, Rockford, and the surrounding communities.