RICHARD E. DALY

DALY, RICHARD E. Grand Blanc Age 80, died Tuesday, August 18, 2015 at Genesys Regional Medical Center. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, August 22, 2015 St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church, 7296 Gale Road, Goodrich, Father Michael Kuchar officiating. Visitation 2-8 p.m. Friday at the Swartz Funeral Home, 1225 West Hill Road. A Vigil Service will be held at 7:00 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Mr. Daly will be at the church 9.a.m. Saturday until the time of the Mass. Burial in New Calvary Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Catholic Charities, The Flint Olympian and CANUSA Games or St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church. Dick was born in Detroit, MI on November 9, 1934, the son of Willard and Aline (Samulski) Daly and was a resident of Grand Blanc and Flint. He graduated from St. Michael Catholic School in 1953. He earned his Bachelor Degree from Eastern Michigan University in 1957, going on to do his post-graduate work and earn a Master's Degree from both Eastern Michigan University and Wayne State University. On June 9, 1956 he married Margaret McGovern in St. Michael Catholic Church, Flint, Michigan. Dick's dedication to the Flint community was vast. He worked for the Flint Community Schools for 35 years as a teacher, a Community School Director and retired as Director of the Physical Education, Athletics and Recreation department. He was one of the pioneers of the Flint Olympian and CANUSA Games as well as a President of the Greater Flint Olympian and CANUSA Association. He was a member of the Vice President's Council on Physical Fitness under Vice President Hubert H. Humphrey. He was a President of the National Community School Education Association and served on their Board of Directors. Dick was a Co-founder and Past Grand Marshal of the Flint St. Patrick's Day parade and celebration. He also served as a President of the Flint Breakfast Optimist Club. He was highly instrumental in bringing blooperball and volleyball to the Flint area and founded the Michigan Women's Volleyball Association with past Olympic coach, Mick Haley. Dick was a president of the Greater Flint Area Sports Hall of Fame where he was later inducted in 2006 for his outstanding service. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #695, the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the Michigan Sport Sages, the Flint Elks Club, the Knights of the AuSable and the Bombay Social Club. Dick had many personal accomplishments and adventures in athletics and recreation throughout his life. It all started when he won the 5th grade Marble Championship at Durant School... He proceeded to star at St. Mike's in football, basketball and baseball under the legendary Coach Tom Smith- as well as a member of their inaugural golf team. Dick moved on to Eastern Michigan University playing football for Fred Trosko, and was a member of EMU's golf team. He was named TKE All American his senior year as defensive end. Dick is also a Three Time Champion of the Gertrude A. McGovern "Nanamal Open" golf tournament. Passionate about sports and recreation in every sense, he epitomized the "thrill of victory and the agony of defeat." Whether it was downhill skiing Mt. Holly or the Rockies, sailing Portage Lake or the Chesapeake Bay, he and Margaret embraced life to the fullest. Dick was a patriotic American, a devout Catholic, and took pride in his Irish and Polish heritage. Above all else he was unwavering in his commitment to his family. Surviving are his wife of 59 years, Margaret, and their 6 children, spouses, and families. Sons: Chris Daly, Rick and Mary Daly, and Rob and Nancy Daly. Daughters: Laura and Dave Smith, Julie and Michael Cenit, and Ellen and Jim Perry. Grandchildren: Carly Cenit, Lauren, Benjamin and Christopher Smith, Sydney and Kyle Daly, Bryce and Brooklyn Daly, Mazey Perry and Gillian Daly, and great-granddaughter Emma Smith. He is also survived by his brother, David Daly and fiance Phyllis, and his brother-in-law, Bob and Donna McGovern. He is preceded in death by his parents, his five sisters-in-law, and his two brothers-in-law. Your condolences may be shared with the family at www.swartzfuneralhomeinc.com