Microsoft employee uses AI to write obituary for father. Netizens have mixed feelings
A senior human resources professional became the subject of online mockery after a deeply personal LinkedIn post went viral on the subreddit LinkedIn Lunatics. Renzo Delia, the director of talent acquisition at Microsoft, had intended to share a heartfelt story about how artificial intelligence supported him through one of the most painful experiences of his life—the death of his father. Instead, his emotional tribute was met with ridicule and skepticism by many internet users.
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In his original LinkedIn post, Delia revealed that he turned to Microsoft Copilot, an AI writing assistant, to help him navigate the emotional and logistical chaos that followed his father's passing on January 4th.
Rather than using his work laptop for professional duties, he explained that he used it to figure out the next steps during a moment of immense uncertainty. Despite knowing for years that his father's battle with Alzheimer's would eventually end, Delia and his family found themselves overwhelmed and unprepared for the intricacies of planning a funeral.
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Gathered at the kitchen table, the family grappled with practical questions about necessary documents, funeral arrangements, and how to honor their loved one. In the midst of confusion, Delia took the lead—something he hadn't done before in such a family setting.
He opened his laptop and typed, 'Help me write an obituary for my father.' Using Copilot as a guide, he facilitated conversations with his family, gathered memories, and, in doing so, turned their grief into moments of shared joy and remembrance.
Later that week, he used the AI tool again, this time to begin writing a eulogy. Copilot provided a framework, helping him organize his thoughts and emotions into words. Standing before a crowd to deliver the speech, Delia expressed that he didn't feel alone—he had his memories, his voice, and support from the technology and people around him. The experience, though difficult, left him feeling empowered.
Reflecting further in the post, Delia shared how his parents immigrated to the United States—one escaping conflict and the other seeking opportunity. He acknowledged the privileges he now holds, such as access to resources that helped safeguard his father's legacy and support his mother, who had been his father's full-time caregiver. Delia concluded by expressing gratitude to Microsoft, Copilot, and everyone who supported him during that period, stating he felt fortunate and empowered.
However, the internet's response was mixed, particularly on Reddit. One user sympathized with the emotional toll of losing a parent and acknowledged that using AI for assistance made sense. Still, they found it odd that someone would share such an experience on a professional platform like LinkedIn. Others were less charitable. One commenter dismissed the post, stating they had written eulogies without AI and found publicizing grief online to be unnecessary. Another accused Delia of using a personal tragedy as a disguised advertisement, saying it felt disingenuous—even if well-intentioned.
Though Delia had hoped to express gratitude and offer insight into his grieving process, the public reaction underscored the fine line between vulnerability and perceived self-promotion on corporate social media.
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