Eugene A. Delaney, 72, a Coast Guard captain who retired from Coast Guard headquarters in Washington as chief of boating and safety, died of emphysema March 5, 2001, at Columbia Reston Hospital.

Captain Delaney, who lived in Centreville, was born in Staten Island, New York. He was a 1950 graduate of the Coast Guard Academy.

His 30-year career in the Coast Guard included service as an oceanographer and command of the cutter Decisive, based in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

He first settled in the Washington area in 1961.

Capt. Delaney retired from the Coast Guard in 1980. From 1989 to 1997, he lived in Virginia Beach, then returned to this area.

Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Eileen K. Delaney of Centreville; six children, Brian and Kerry Delaney, both of Annapolis, Maureen Delaney of Falls Church, Janet Elliott of Centreville, Terence Delaney of Baton Rouge, La., and Matthew Delaney of Portsmouth; one brother; one sister; and eight grandchildren.

 On March 5, 2001, at Reston Hospital. EUGENE A. DELANEY, beloved husband of Eileen K. Delaney; loving father of Brian, Terence, Maureen, Kerry, Matthew Delaney and Janet Delaney Elliott; cherished brother of Paul V. Delaney and Ellen Timothy; devoted grandfather of eight. Funeral services Monday, April 16, 2001, 12:45 p.m. at Ft. Myer Chapel. Interment with Military Honors at Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Coast Guard Mutual Assistance, c/o Commandant G/ZMA, 2100 2nd St., SW, Room 5502, Washington, DC 20593.