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John Dailey Obituary
He was born Sept. 14, 1969, in Sunbury, Pa., a son of John and Carole (Leister) Dailey. On Oct. 29, 2001, he married Kamales (Fon) Alford, who survives.
John was a 1988 graduate of Selinsgrove Area High School and a 1992 graduate of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Conn., with a bachelor of science in electrical engineering. John graduated from Naval Post Graduate School in Monterey, Calif., where he received a masters of science degree in electrical engineering. John also graduated from California State University, Long Beach, where he received his M.B.A. degree in business.
John's first assignment upon his graduation from the Academy was at Governor's Island, N.Y., where he served on the U.S. Coast Guard cutter, "Dallas" from May 1992-July 1994. He was stationed with the Coast Guard Maintenance and Logistics Command Atlantic at Norfolk, Va., from July 1994-June 1997. He was then stationed with the Coast Guard Electronics Support Detachment in San Pedro, Calif. from June 1999-July 2002. He was then stationed with the Coast Guard Electronics Systems Support Unit in Miami, Fla., from July 2002-June 2004, and from June 2004-May 2008 at the Coast Guard Personnel Command Officer Personnel Management Division in Arlington, Va. His final duty station was at the Coast Guard Headquarters (CG-6), in Washington, D.C., from May 2008-November 2009. He received numerous meritorious service metals and letters of commendation throughout his career. He was one of the founding team members for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
John was a sports enthusiast. He played football, was a member of the track team, and wrestled for Selinsgrove High School. He also wrestled and played rugby for the Coast Guard. John was an avid fan of Penn State Football and the Philadelphia Phillies. He enjoyed traveling. Some of his favorite destinations were Monterey, Calif., Niagara Falls and Thailand. His greatest love of all was spending time with his family, especially his 2 1/2-year-old son, Jack, who was his pride and joy.
John was a natural-born leader with a beautiful soul. He always led by example, even during his 3 1/2-year battle with melanoma. John's Facebook page had become a source of encouragement during his battle, lifting his spirits and putting a smile on his face many days when he needed it. He was blessed with a strong support system in his many friends and his Coast Guard family who were always there for him during his battle.
In addition to his wife, Kamales (Fon) Alford, John is survived by his son, Jack Boon Dailey of Woodbridge, his parents, John and Carole Dailey of Selinsgrove; his mother-in-law, Boon Seng Sriwang Pon, of Woodbridge; his three sisters and two brothers-in-law, Holly and Calvin Raker of Sunbury, Jolynn Slaybaugh of Selinsgrove, and Angela and Shawn Stenger of Chambersburg; and nieces and nephews, Bruce Heiser Jr., Angela Heiser, Chris Slaybaugh, Shawn Slaybaugh, Makayla Secia, Carly Stenger, and is also the godfather for nephews, Brady and Jake Stenger.
Friends and family may visit from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday at the V.L. Seebold Funeral Home, 601 N. High St., Selinsgrove, where a memorial service will follow at 2, with Commander Daniel E. McKay, Deputy Chaplain of the Coast Guard, officiating.
Burial with full military honors will be in Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of John may be sent to the Ashley Fister-Cole Foundation, an organization for melanoma research, at 9601 Hershour Court, Fairfax, VA 22032.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Michael Day
December 17, 2009
John ~ I thought that with a few weeks passing it would be somehow easier to tell you how much I valued our friendship. I was wrong. I find myself reflecting on our time working together and the many conversations we had discussing the future. You always had such a great outlook and positive disposition. Until we meet again, thanks for everything. Your wisdom helped more than you could ever know. God bless.
Lauri Melton-Hoke
December 13, 2009
It's been a few weeks since I attended JP's funeral, and it's still so hard to believe that he's gone from this world. But I take comfort in the fact that we are made for eternity, and JP is in heaven now with our Savior...and I am thankful that we'll meet again. Much love to the entire Dailey family -- not a day goes by that I don't think of you and remember to pray for you!
Todd Miller
December 9, 2009
To John's Family,
My heartfelt sympathy to you from a fellow serviceman. John was a kind man, and will be sorely missed.
Drew Good
December 4, 2009
We offer our deepest sympathy. When tragedy strikes and takes the life of our loved ones, many cry out with great sorrow. Your tears are not unnoticed by the Creator of Life. Never was it his purpose for our human lives to be taken away. Although your deep pain will not easily disappear, prayer to God will bring comfort to you as you grieve. The Bible assures us God "is healing the broken hearted ones, and is binding up their painful spot." Psalm 147:3
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Mark Jensen
December 2, 2009
I had the privilege of working for CDR Dailey in San Pedro, CA and what an honor it was. He was a strong mentor and leader that I would have served under any time, any place. He was a master motivator and had a strong part in where I am today. I will miss him dearly and will miss chatting him up about the Eagles and the Phillies. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Dailey family.
Stimson Family
December 2, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Dailey family. JP will be missed. He will never be forgotten. He is another special angel walking amongst us and helping us every day in ways only he knows. May God watch over you all and help you find peace.
Angie (Basom)Seler
December 2, 2009
I am a classmate and friend of Angie's. I share my deepest sympathy to all of the family. My heart truly goes out to you all and you will remain in my thoughts and prayers. May God give you comfort and peace through this difficult time.
Laurance Foley
December 1, 2009
Spike and Jacki Foley
Angela Welch
December 1, 2009
To the entire Dailey Family~
I am a friend of Angie's and unfortunately, I never met JP. From reading about him and remembering stories of him from his sister, he sounds like a wonderful man. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Steff Foley
December 1, 2009
Please know that the Foley family shares this loss and expesses our deepest sympathy to our entire extended family.
We take some comfort in the fact that JP is now pain free and with our Lord and Savior.
Dana (Hershey) Brandt
November 30, 2009
As a previous classmate of John's my deepest sympathies go out to his family and friends. He will surely be missed. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Robert Whitmoyer
November 30, 2009
To the Dailey family,
Sorry to read about your loss. You all remain in my thoughts and prayers.
Mr. Whitmoyer
Selinsgrove Area Middle School
Brett Kahn
November 30, 2009
John was one of the most kind hearted and considerate people I have ever known. He and his family always went out of there way to make me feel welcome in and out of their home. I am proud to have grown up and been a friend and teamate of Johns. He will be sorely missed by all that knew him.
November 30, 2009
To the Dailey family--
I am honored and fortunate to have known John -- albeit for only a short time. I found him to be one of the most kind, thoughtful and great Coast Guard leaders. I will remember John for his strength and positive outlook in the midst of adversity. He is an inspiration to us all. My deepest sympathies. - Ann Rider Catalano, CG6
Michele Fenton
November 28, 2009
John you will be trully missed by all. My heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to your wife and family. We all have become better people knowing such a kind, caring man as yourself. You will live on in OUR hearts forever.
Kathleen Clark-Lindsay
November 27, 2009
To the entire Dailey family ~
I want to extend my sincerest sympathies as you mourn the loss of this amazing soul. Our collective hearts are much heavier these days knowing that God took him sooner than we wanted.
As a former high school classmate and friend of John's, I can attest to his character, heart, wit and unconditional kindness to everyone.
We are all truly better people to have known him and had him in our life. He will be alive in our hearts and minds forever.
Kathy (Clark) Lindsay
Heather (Jareski) Turner
November 27, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with the Dailey family at this time.
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
November 27, 2009
John was truly a great person in ALL aspects of his life. He was one of a kind and I know now that he's truly one of a kind in Heaven.
When ever I think of John it ALWAYS brings a smile and that is special.
You will be tremendously missed, but NEVER forgotten!!!
Jim Hane
November 27, 2009
To the Dailey family,
It was an honor to know John and to be a fellow classmate! He will truly be missed by his friends, family and loved ones. John will forever be remembered with all the wonderful memories that he has given each and every one of us! Rest in peace, John!
My deepest sympathies.
Karen Mottern Grabiec '88
BRUCE@BLANCHE GAUGLER
November 26, 2009
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
November 26, 2009
Dear Carol and John,
You are in our thoughts and prayers, We send you and your familly all of our sympathy.
Nicole and Bob Delbaugh
The Villages, Florida
Stephanie Bastian-Feaster(class of '84)
November 26, 2009
May God be with you all at your time of need. John seemed to be very special piece of our world.
Cathy Lenhard
November 26, 2009
John, You were a great classmate & friend. You will be missed. The Daily family will be in my prays & thoughts. I went to school with John!!!
November 26, 2009
John and Family,
We are deeply saddened to hear the news of JP passing. Krista and I have many fond memories of John as a classmate growing up in Selinsgrove. He was a true leader and inspiration to us all. We know that his memory and love will endure within the hearts of all that were lucky enough to know him. May he rest in peace!
Cory and Krista Keister
Atlanta, GA
Ang Stenger
November 26, 2009
Jp, you will be greatly missed but never forgotton. We look forward to the day we will all be reunited again. Jack will always know the wonderful, loving, intelligent, and full of life person you were. Love u dear brother.
Dorcas Dailey
November 26, 2009
Jolynn and all of the Dailey family,
Please accept my family's deepest sympathies during this difficult time.
Gene and Holly Anzano
November 25, 2009
John, you were a great classmate, friend, and mentor. Thank you for being part of my life and my family's, and thank you for the guidance you gave to me as an officer. We will miss you very much.
Brian Snyder
November 25, 2009
To the Daileys:I am shocked and sadened by this news. I knew the family as I lived up on the hill too. You all will be in my thoughts and prayers
Tricia Hassinger Zipfel
November 25, 2009
To John's family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Although I did not know John personally, I am sure I saw him wrestle or play football against Shikellamy.
You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Kerry Dailey Wolfe
November 25, 2009
From all Uncle Bud and Aunt Shirley (squirrely) children and most know we are a tribe. We pray for all of you. Remembering the times we had growing up and the visits to Gram Daileys was always an adventure. JP is now up in heaven with Gram Dailey getting all the m&ms. Reading his facebook made me realize just how respected he was. And to you JP I say now you are out of pain and can now rest peaceful
And when the Braves beat those Seals next year do not rain on our parade!!!
Al Thilo
November 25, 2009
To the Daileys:We were saddened to learn of J.P.'s passing.I was close to him playing sports @ Selinsgrove H.S.We will say our prayers in his behalf.
Al & Bette Thilo
Cape May, NJ
Joe Mahr
November 25, 2009
For John & his loving family, I can only bring this to prayer - and do. I just met John recently, and I pray for peace in your heart and for keeping in faith a strong confidence and hope in the Lord - to which there is no better place to turn for comfort.
Tricia Klink
November 25, 2009
I was so sad to hear about the loss of John. He truely was an inspiration to everyone. I was so happy to be reunited with him though facebook. He has gone to be with the lord where there is no pains and one day we will see him again, Until then. I will remember his family in thoughts and prayers as they go through this difficult time without him. God Bless you all!!
Ed Thiedeman
November 25, 2009
John was a fellow officer who was a beacon of light to many, both professionally and spiritually. His smile and gentle manner now resides with us in our memories of him.
Ed Thiedeman, Captain, U.S. Coast Guard
jennifer bauman scholl
November 25, 2009
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2009
David Swanson
November 25, 2009
My condolence for your loss, John was a great person who inspired many.
Marc Sanders
November 25, 2009
John - You will not be forgotten. You're inspirational story will carry on. I certainly look back on our time together at Naval PG school fondly, and all the times our work brought us in contact after.. include your short tour detailing of me to HQ from Hawaii. Your sunny disposition and positive outlook somehow made everything better.
Leland Sisk
November 25, 2009
John, I am a better person for having known you. You inspired me and encouraged me. You will live in my heart forever. May you rest in peace.
November 25, 2009
J.P. was truly a very special young man who will be deeply missed. His physical life may have ended far too soon, but his memory will endure forever in the hearts of his friends & family. The "Jackpot" stories have just become timeless! My very deepest sympathy--
Beth Kerstetter
Deb Jones
November 25, 2009
My heart aches for your loss. JP grew to be a well respected man and a loving husband and father. But I will always remember him as a smiling blue eyed boy. JP was the quieter of the bunch as all 19 grandchildren would invade Grandma Dailey's home anxious to see what Dear Santa brought that year. We would stand with our mouths hanging open beside the gifts piled to the top of the living room ceiling. I remember the year that we were all shuttled through the back door to be greeted by a kitchen table covered with buckets of coal...candy of course. Those precious childhood memories shared with JP and my cousins will live forever in my heart. Our last visit was a few years ago at a family reunion. JP was so excited about the upcoming birth of his first child. He was so proud and happy...another memory I will cherish. I pray you find peace. JP is now with our Lord watching over us all. God Bless.
Kelly (Herrold) Grabey
November 25, 2009
Dear Daileys,
My heart is so heavy. John was such a special guy. To this day, he still holds a piece of my heart. I want to share a poem, which I hope brings you comfort...
To those I love & those who love me -
When I am gone, release me, let me go,
I have so many things to see and do.
You must not tie yourself to me with tears; be thankful we had so many years.
I gave you my love, you can only guess
how much you gave me back in happiness.
I thank you for the love you each have shown; But now, it's time I travled on alone.
So, grieve a while for me, if grieve you must, then let your grief be comforted by trust.
It's only for a while that we must part, So bless the memories with your heart.
I won't be far away, for life goes on;
so, if you need me call, and I will come.
Though you can't see or touch me I'll be near, and if you listen with your heart, you'll hear all of my love around you soft and dear, and then, when you must come this way alone, I'll greet you with a smile and wave, "WELCOME HOME".
I truly believe that when we lose someone we love, we gain an angel we know. I, for one, am honored and blessed to say I knew JP, and I'll always cherish the memories I have of him.
Your family is in my thoughts and prayers for comfort & peace.
Love & Blessings,
Kelly (Herrold) Grabey
Robesonia
Henry Hudson
November 25, 2009
Physically, I will miss John. Spiritually, I rejoice for him because he is now in the hands of our Lord and Savior. John is happier now than we know. Mourn the physical lose, but rejoice in the spiritual gain.
I envy you John...you see the Lord before I do. I'm sure your upbeat personality continues with you even now. Until we meet again my brother...
Henry Hudson, CDR, USCG Retired
Sandy Stosz
November 25, 2009
John inspired us all through his incredible courage and positive focus throughout a horrendous ordeal. One can measure a man's true character by how he responds in the face of adversity and crisis: John is a Guardian who emodied the Coast Guard's Ethos and Core Values up until his final day. He leaves this world a much better place.
Al and Joyce Stiles
November 25, 2009
Your family remains in our thoughts and prayers. We'll truly miss John's warm smile, great conversation, strength of character and kindness of spirit.
Chaz Johnson
November 25, 2009
My deepest sympathy on your loss. It was truly an honor to sing the National Anthem at John's retirement ceremony. May the Lord give you peace and comfort.
Sonia & Greg Kendall
November 25, 2009
Please accept my heartfelt sympathies for your loss. My thoughts are with the entire family during this difficult time.
Greg and Lisa Renninger
November 25, 2009
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
November 24, 2009
John, You will be so missed by us all. Your family and friends will keep your memory alive for your sweet little boy. He will never forget. You will be missed. Shelly(Eichenlaub)Charles
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