Robert Daley
06/28/1945 - 11/28/2025
Robert (Bob) Francis Daley passed away peacefully at the Veterans Affairs (VA) Palo Alto Hospital, comforted by family and friends after a challenging yearlong fight.
Bob was a native San Franciscan raised in West Portal and a proud Irish Catholic. He attended St. Cecilia's Elementary and Lincoln High School. He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Al and Grace Daley, and his brother, Jim Daley. He is survived and will forever be cherished by his sister, Maureen Daley Sanchez; his wife Sharon Daley (Redwood City, CA); his daughters, Lisa Daley (Suzanne Erickson) and Colleen Poole (Matthew Poole); and his grandchildren, Jackson, Cayden, and Alli Poole; as well as two sisters-in-law, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
In 1966, Bob was drafted into the U.S. Army and departed San Francisco Bay for the Vietnam War. As the ship passed beneath the Golden Gate Bridge, his devoted parents watched from above. While serving, he built unbreakable bonds with the "brothers" who fought alongside him - men with whom he shared experiences few could ever comprehend. As a decorated military veteran, he was awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Air Medal, and numerous other honors in recognition of his heroism and meritorious service.
After returning home from Vietnam, Bob met his wife Sharon, at The Portals. They were introduced by a mutual friend, married at Forest Hills in San Francisco, and the rest was history. In 1975, they moved to Redwood City, where they raised their two daughters. Together, they built a strong and enduring love that lasted more than five decades - 52 years.
A dedicated and passionate San Francisco 49er and Giants fan, Bob attended the very first 49ers game at Kezar Stadium and often rode the trolley with friends to the Giants games. He received a ride home from Willie Mays-and famously lost a signed Willie Mays baseball during a neighborhood game at Larson Park. Bob cherished his friendships, including many that began in kindergarten, middle school and high school and lasted a lifetime.
He loved traveling, golf, horse racing, playing pedro, dominos, and three-dice liars. He enjoyed bringing friends together and took great joy in attending his grandchildren's sporting events in Portland, OR.
As an avid golfer, he celebrated his first birdie at Harding Park Golf Course. He also organized annual golf tournaments that brought his closest friends and their families together-events marked by laughter, storytelling, and shared memories.
For 30 years, he worked at The Saddle Room, "the last neighborhood bar in Redwood City" where he welcomed friends from behind the bar and brought people together with his wit and charm and cultivated friendships that lasted decades. Bob will forever be remembered for his integrity, loyalty, and humor; his service to his country; and the immense pride and love he carried for his family.
The family extends sincere heartfelt gratitude to the Palo Alto VA Medical Center and South Springs Home Health for their kindness, support and exceptional care.
He was a hero who may not have been the tallest person in a room but was always the one who stood tallest.
He will be greatly missed.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Pius Church, 1100 Woodside Road, Redwood City, CA, on Friday, December 12, 2025. The rosary and viewing will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by the Mass. A Celebration of Life will follow immediately, honoring Bob's memory among family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to the Palo Alto VA Health Care System or San Francisco Baseball Old Timers Association

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Dec. 4 to Dec. 7, 2025.