Daniel R. Daly

Daniel R. Daly, 78, of 70 Jerome Ave., Gardner died Sunday in Heywood Hospital, Gardner, following a long illness.
Born in Gardner on January 15, 1925, he was the oldest son of Daniel E. and Mary (Murphy) Daly's seven children.
A lifelong educator, Mr. Daly taught hundreds of students during his 36-year tenure as a teacher. He was a Social Studies, World History and Anthropology teacher at Athol-Royalston Regional High School, retiring in 1987. He was previously Chairman of the English Department at Lawrence High School, Cedarhurst, NY on Long Island. He coached dramatics, directed several plays, and served as a Class Advisor on several occasions.
Mr. Daly graduated from Sacred Heart School and was a member of the 1942 Gardner High School graduating class. He received his Bachelor's degree in English and History in 1950 from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. He had the distinction of being named Class Orator for all three graduations. He received his Master's degree in Education from Harvard University's School of Education, Cambridge, MA in 1951.
He was a member of Holy Spirit Church, Gardner.
Mr. Daly was a member of the N.Y. State Teachers Association and the Massachusetts Association of Teachers. He served as the President of the Lawrence Teachers Association in NY. He was an avid reader of English literature and poetry. He enjoyed film, theatre and the New York Times, especially the Sunday Crossword Puzzle.
Mr. Daly, affectionately known as "Digger," was a corporal in the United States Marine Corps and served in the 29th Regiment, Sixth Marine Division. He entered the Corps in Boston on March 11, 1943, received basic training at Parris Island, SC, and was deployed to the Pacific Theatre in November 1943. He went to battle during the World War II campaigns on Marshall Island, Guam, and Okinawa, at which time he also served with the Fourth Marine Division and the First Provisional Marine Brigade. He took part in the occupation of Japan. He received the Presidential Unit Citation, the Navy Unit Citation, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Ribbon with three battle stars and the Victory Medal. He was discharged in 1946 at which time he led the Marine contingent of the City of Gardner's Welcome Home parade.
He leaves his wife of 52 years, Ellen E. (Crahan) Daly of Gardner; 3 sons, Brian J. Daly of Nashville, TN, Daniel D. Daly of Potomac, MD, Christopher J. Daly of Gardner; 1 daughter, Ellen E. Bell of Westminster; 2 brothers, Joseph E. Daly of Gardner and Paul Daly of Raleigh, NC; 1 sister, Mary (Daly) Kowlzan of Sandwich; 5 grandchildren, Andrew B. Daly of Nashville, TN, Daniel P. Daly and Patrick R. Daly both of Potomac, MD, Seamus P. Bell and Caitlin E. Bell both of Westminster; several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by two brothers, Robert Daly and John Daly, and 1 sister, Lois (Daly) Johnson.

Funeral services will be held Thursday from the Boucher Funeral Home, Inc., 110 Nichols St., Gardner with a Mass at 10:00 a.m. in Holy Spirit Church, 50 Lovewell St., Gardner. Burial in St. John's Cemetery, Gardner, will be at the convenience of the family.
Calling hours at the funeral home are Wednesday from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to Levi Heywood Memorial Library Building Fund, 57 City Hall Ave., Gardner, MA 01440 or to a charity of the donor's choice.

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