Dealy's Jesuit education encouraged his travels abroad, and he spent time in Austria, France, Rome, Montreal, Belgium, and at St. John's.

In 1853 "the rector (probably Larkin) noted that Dealy's 'ingenium,' or intelligence and proficiency in literature, were only 'mediocre,' and his special talent was for teaching the younger boys.

[2] Dealy did not just focus on sports and building projects, but also dedicated time to modernizing the curriculum and established a three-year bachelor of science program.

After an earlier administration had made an unsuccessful attempt to initiate a program of military training on campus, Father Dealy succeeded in October 1885.

"[2] Dealy helped distance St. John's from the French Jesuit influence, and integrated the college into New York and American culture.

Dealy died in New York City on December 22, 1891, from pneumonia and diabetes, and was buried in the College Cemetery across from the Prep school.