School of Law

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Gonzaga Regent Emeritus and alumnus, Joseph Delay (‘52). Joe passed away on Wednesday, May 8, 2019.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Born in Sandpoint, Idaho, Joe graduated from high school in 1944 and then joined the United States Army as a paratrooper in the 101st Airborne Division, the Screaming Eagles. He fought against Hitler and the Germans at the Battle of the Bulge, across Germany, even being dispatched to locate Hitler in his Berchtesgaden hideout.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ After the war, Joe returned home and earned a law degree at Gonzaga University in 1952. He joined his longtime law partner, Don Curran (’60), in 1961 and eventually formed the firm as it is known today Delay, Curran, Thompson, Pontorolo & Walker. Joe’s practice included complex real estate transactions, contract law, and probate. He served as President of the Washington State Bar Association and as one of the WSBA’s Board of Governors. He also taught business law as an Adjunct Professor at Gonzaga University-Florence. He was admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of the United States as well as in Washington State.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Joe was married to the love of his life, Helen Curran Delay for 64 years, until her passing in May 2018. The Delays were committed supporters and leaders for Gonzaga University and Gonzaga Law School. Joe was instrumental in working with the Jesuits to help fundraise to build what is the current building that houses the School of Law.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ The Delays established an endowed fund that supports the Chastek Library. In 1997, Joe received the Gonzaga University Law Medal, the law school’s highest honor. Joe was one of the most respected attorneys in Spokane, known for his staunch code of ethics, hard work, and professionalism. He was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather.⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Please keep Joe’s family, including his sons Paul (J.D., ‘86), and Mike (J.D., ‘88), his grandchildren Hailey (J.D., ‘18), and Jack (Business Administration – Marketing, ‘21), and his brother-in-law Don (J.D., ‘60) and Don’s wife Va Lena Curran (J.D., ‘58), and nephew Kevin, (J.D., ’88) in your thoughts and prayers during this time of loss.⁣⁣ Service information is forthcoming.