Daniel Leonard Dailey

Daniel Leonard Dailey was a devoted husband to Lillian; loving father to Patrick, Mary, Jacqueline, Summer, Max and Carrie; beloved grandfather to Holly, Hanna, Mathew, Victoria, Skyler, Ryan, Nikolas, Madison, Ryan, Eric, Summer, Olivia, and David. He is loved and admired by many for his strength, his charm, and his loving nature. He had a heart-warming smile that could brighten any room. He was the kind of man who never met a stranger.

Born on September 23, 1946, in Johnstown, Pa. He was the youngest of five children born to Mary Dailey, preceded by his sisters, Dorothy, Katherine, Almeda, and his brother, Bill.

Daniel enlisted in the Army in 1965 and proudly served his country until his retirement in 1987. Daniel started with 173rd Airborne Brigade and also served in the Special Operations Group, 1st and 5th Special Forces Groups and 82nd Airborne. After three tours in Viet Nam he sought out assignments abroad and served in Stuttgart, Germany, SHAPE Belgium and Caserma Ederle, Italy as part of NATO's European Command. During his tours, he became immersed in the cultures of the countries in which he lived and encouraged his children to do the same by learning the language, exploring the culture, and forging relationships with the "locals." This resulted in lifelong friendships around the world.

In 1986, he was called home to be by his mother's side as she lost her first daughter, Dolores. He knew then that despite his world travels it was time to "come home." Shortly thereafter, he retired and returned home to Akron. It was there that he met the love of his life, his soul mate, Lillian Rosemarie Black. Together, they spent their lives fulfilling their dreams one by one. On a trip to New York to see the great Pavorotti, thanks to Daniel's knowledge of Italian language and culture, both he and Lillian were invited backstage to spend the evening with the operatic icon.

Daniel achieved his lifelong dream of obtaining a formal education by first earning his Associate degree in Applied Science and Fire Protection Technology, Summa Cum Laude, from Akron University in 2003, and then his Bachelor's of Science in Emergency Management, Magna Cum Laude also from Akron University in 2004 at the age of 58. He was proud to graduate with honors and was on the Dean's list and Student of the Year for all four years he attended Akron U. He was also recognized by and granted membership in the Golden Key International Honour Society.

Shortly after, the ocean called and Daniel set to fulfill his wife Lil's dream of living near the sea. The couple moved to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina where they spent a year soaking up the sun and enjoying the salty air. They soon became homesick for their grandchildren and returned to Akron once more.

Sadly, he was diagnosed with cancer a short nine months ago and despite a strong will, the disease overcame him early Wednesday morning. Like a true soldier, he fought on until his children and family were able to say good-bye. It was only after the last visitor left, late Thursday evening, October 25th, with his hand held by his son Patrick, that he peacefully breathed his last breath and went to join his Father in heaven. He is survived by his wife, Lillian Dailey; his sister, Almeda Vechik; his brother, William Dailey; his six children and thirteen grandchildren. He was loved and respected by many and his courage and strength will be carried on in fond memory by all.

For our beloved husband and father, "We do not need a special day to bring you to our minds. The days we do not think of you are very hard to find. Each morning when we awake we know that you are gone. And no one knows the heartache as we try to carry on. Our hearts still ache with sadness and secret tears still flow. What it meant to lose you no one will ever know. Our thoughts are always with you, your place no one can fill. In life we loved you dearly; in death we love you still. There will always be a heartache, and often a silent tear, but always a precious memory of the days when you were here. If tears would make a staircase, and heartaches make a lane, we'd walk the path to heaven and bring you home again. We hold you close within our hearts; and there you will remain, to walk with us throughout our lives until we meet again. Our family chain is broken now, and nothing seems the same, but as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again." Author Unknown

Please email savingmrdailey@yahoo.com for an address for condolences. You may also make a donation through www.paypal.com, email, savingmrdailey@yahoo.com.

(ADAMS MASON FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY, 330-535-9186)