Obituary for Robert B. Daley
Robert B. Daley, 87, passed away at home in Manlius on Sunday, December 15. He was born in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania, on October 15, 1932 to Charles E. and Mary Daley. He was predeceased by his first wife, Mary Patricia Betterton Daley; siblings, Carl Daley, Dorothy Daley, and Moira Miller; his sister-in-law, Mona Betterton; and most recently his brother-in-law, Robert Betterton.
Bob was educated in Syracuse, NY. He graduated from St. Lucy’s and spent a year at St. Michael’s in Toronto before transferring to his beloved LeMoyne College where he graduated in 1954. There he met his first wife, Mary Pat, and many of his lifelong friends. He also sang with the Dolphineers and later, after graduation, with the Bernie Schmidt Singers. After college he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed at Schofield Barracks in Honolulu, Hawaii. He finished his tour of duty in 1957 and returned home to work at Bristol Labs. He then married Mary Pat Betterton. They settled in the Fayetteville-Manlius area and raised three children, Kevin, Kathleen and Michael.
Bob took a job teaching Chemistry and Earth Science at Jamesville-Dewitt High School, which lasted 34 years. During that time, he volunteered for Habitat for Humanity building homes, in numerous activities for St. Ann’s Catholic Church of Manlius, as well as academic endeavors like the NY State Science Olympiad and the New York State Regents. He co-authored a textbook that was used for the Regents Earth Science Course for many years. He also pursued his Masters and Doctorate Degrees at Syracuse University (EdD, conferred in 1988).
In his retirement, Bob consulted through Syracuse University to observe Student Teachers in various districts throughout the region, taking an active role in the next generation of teachers. He adored playing golf and spending time with his vast group of friends, the “gang” from LeMoyne/Parochial Schools and his faculty friends at “R.O.M.E.O.” lunches. Following the death of Mary Pat in May of 2000, he remarried Maureen Wrate in 2002 and they lived happily in Manlius until the end of his life.
Bob was a wonderfully devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He was a lector and counter at St. Ann’s. He was also recruited to help in various church services on his travels, including one in Ireland. He was a devoted fan of Syracuse University football, basketball and with his wife Maureen, the Chicago Cubs.
In addition to his children, Kevin (Kelly) Daley of Skaneateles, NY, Kathleen of Fayetteville, and Michael Daley (John Salcedo) of Lakewood, California. Bob is also survived by his grandsons, Donald Bromley (Ashley Timmons), Kieran & Christian Daley, Nathan Robbins; and granddaughters, Jordan Daley, Jillian Robbins, and Jocelyn Daley; as well as great-granddaughters, Quinn & Ella Bromley; and several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by Maureen’s children and grandchildren.
We cannot overstate the love and commitment that Bob had for both Jamesville Dewitt High School and LeMoyne College. He left a long prideful legacy at both institutions. We are saddened by the void that is left in our hearts.
Family and friends may call from 4:00 to 7:00 pm on Friday, December 20 at Newell-Fay Manlius Chapel, 8171 Cazenovia Rd., Manlius. The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, December 21 at St. Ann’s Church in Manlius. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery in DeWitt.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to LeMoyne College, Science Department, 1419 Salt Springs Rd., Syracuse, NY 13214.
Bob was educated in Syracuse, NY. He graduated from St. Lucy’s and spent a year at St. Michael’s in Toronto before transferring to his beloved LeMoyne College where he graduated in 1954. There he met his first wife, Mary Pat, and many of his lifelong friends. He also sang with the Dolphineers and later, after graduation, with the Bernie Schmidt Singers. After college he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed at Schofield Barracks in Honolulu, Hawaii. He finished his tour of duty in 1957 and returned home to work at Bristol Labs. He then married Mary Pat Betterton. They settled in the Fayetteville-Manlius area and raised three children, Kevin, Kathleen and Michael.
Bob took a job teaching Chemistry and Earth Science at Jamesville-Dewitt High School, which lasted 34 years. During that time, he volunteered for Habitat for Humanity building homes, in numerous activities for St. Ann’s Catholic Church of Manlius, as well as academic endeavors like the NY State Science Olympiad and the New York State Regents. He co-authored a textbook that was used for the Regents Earth Science Course for many years. He also pursued his Masters and Doctorate Degrees at Syracuse University (EdD, conferred in 1988).
In his retirement, Bob consulted through Syracuse University to observe Student Teachers in various districts throughout the region, taking an active role in the next generation of teachers. He adored playing golf and spending time with his vast group of friends, the “gang” from LeMoyne/Parochial Schools and his faculty friends at “R.O.M.E.O.” lunches. Following the death of Mary Pat in May of 2000, he remarried Maureen Wrate in 2002 and they lived happily in Manlius until the end of his life.
Bob was a wonderfully devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He was a lector and counter at St. Ann’s. He was also recruited to help in various church services on his travels, including one in Ireland. He was a devoted fan of Syracuse University football, basketball and with his wife Maureen, the Chicago Cubs.
In addition to his children, Kevin (Kelly) Daley of Skaneateles, NY, Kathleen of Fayetteville, and Michael Daley (John Salcedo) of Lakewood, California. Bob is also survived by his grandsons, Donald Bromley (Ashley Timmons), Kieran & Christian Daley, Nathan Robbins; and granddaughters, Jordan Daley, Jillian Robbins, and Jocelyn Daley; as well as great-granddaughters, Quinn & Ella Bromley; and several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by Maureen’s children and grandchildren.
We cannot overstate the love and commitment that Bob had for both Jamesville Dewitt High School and LeMoyne College. He left a long prideful legacy at both institutions. We are saddened by the void that is left in our hearts.
Family and friends may call from 4:00 to 7:00 pm on Friday, December 20 at Newell-Fay Manlius Chapel, 8171 Cazenovia Rd., Manlius. The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, December 21 at St. Ann’s Church in Manlius. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery in DeWitt.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to LeMoyne College, Science Department, 1419 Salt Springs Rd., Syracuse, NY 13214.