Neil majored in Philosophy and earned his B.A. from Stanford University in 1990. Following in his father's footsteps, Neil continued on to earn M.A (1993) in Philosophy and his Ph.D. (1997) in Philosophy from Princeton University, where he published a groundbreaking paper, "Romantic Love and Loving Commitment: Articulating a Modern Ideal," in American Philosophical Quarterly.

A self-professed rolling stone, Neil began his teaching career at Arizona State University, and later worked all around the country as a visiting professor and scholar, including at Stanford University, the University of San Francisco, the University of Michigan, Georgetown University, UNLV, The Ohio State University, and the University of Notre Dame.

An excellent teacher of philosophy, Neil was known to meet with students during meals for philosophical discussions on paper topics. Former students often contacted him to check in on him years following graduation. He made many friends and enchanted many with his brilliant wit, incredible sense of humor, and charm. While he chose to pursue philosophy professionally, he shared a love of literature with his mother Helen.

Helen Louise Prescott Delaney, his mother, preceded him in death in 2020.

Neil is survived by his father Professor Cornelius Francis Delaney and a son.

He was buried following a private family service on September 12, 2022.