Richard A. Daily

1932 - 2025

Richard A. Daily

December 8, 1932 - September 6, 2025

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina - Richard A. Daily, age 92, of TidePointe/Broad Creek in Hilton Head Island, SC, passed away on Saturday, September 6, 2025. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 59 years, Dorothy Gabel Daily. Heartbreakingly, Richard passed away less than two weeks after the death of his eldest son, Kevin Daily, who had lovingly cared for him following Dorothy's passing.

Born in Morristown, New Jersey, Richard was the son of the late Robert Henry and Eunice Richmond Daily. A gifted student, he earned a scholarship to Princeton University, where he balanced his studies with a vibrant extracurricular life-waiting tables, playing hockey and other intramural sports, and singing in the Princeton Choir, Glee Club, and the renowned Tigertones, a close-harmony ensemble.

After graduating from the Princeton School of Engineering, Richard married his childhood sweetheart, Dorothy. He then served as a U.S. Naval Officer for nearly four years, with deployments in Pensacola, Florida, the Western Pacific, and the Mediterranean.

Following his military service, Richard began a distinguished 32-year career with Union Carbide Corporation, ultimately retiring as Vice President/Managing Director. He remained active in civic and international affairs, serving on the Chatham, NJ Board of Education, several town councils, the U.S. Department of Transportation, the Brazil–U.S. Business Council, and the United States–Mexico Chamber of Commerce.

Richard is survived by his children and their spouses: Susan and Robert Koppenol, Pamela and Eric Hansen, and his youngest son, Charles Daily. He was a proud grandfather to Spencer, Kelsey, and Timothy Koppenol; Kristin, Geoffrey, and Stefan Hansen; and Jennifer, Jaclyn, and Marcella Daily. He also leaves behind seven cherished great-grandchildren.

A devoted volunteer in his later years, Richard gave his time generously to several Hilton Head Island charities, including the First Presbyterian Church, Volunteers in Medicine, and Second Helpings.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Richard's memory may be made to the charity of your choice or to one of the Hilton Head Island organizations he served.

Services will be arranged at the convenience of the family.

Islandfuneralhome.com.