Robert W. “Bob” Daly Jr. Obituary
Robert W. “Bob” Daly Jr., 76 of Mesa, AZ, passed away on August 18, 2015. Preceded in death by his late wife Nancy Daly (nee Brophy); survived by his beloved wife Betty; beloved father of Robert III (Kris), Karen, and Glenn (Denise), loving grandfather of five, great-grandfather of four, stepfather of two, step-grandfather of four, and step great-grandfather of one. Born in Hartford, CT in July 1939, Bob graduated from Suffield Academy in 1957, then attended Hobart College in Geneva, NY on an athletic scholarship for baseball and football. During this time, Bob was also enrolled in the Air Force ROTC graduating from both in 1961 and was commissioned as a 2nd Lt. Bob married Nancy Brophy in Oct. 1961 and they entered the US Air Force for 11 years where he was awarded the wings of a navigator and pilot. In 1969, Bob was selected to serve his country as an Air Liaison and FAC Officer (Forward Air Controller) for the 5th Special Forces in Vietnam. While in Vietnam, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC), 10 air medals, and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm (honor). Bob was very proud of his military service and had the greatest respect for the Special Forces group he worked with, speaking frequently of the bond with his comrades. Upon his return from the war, the family relocated to Laredo, TX where he became a flight and squadron commander. He was honorably discharged in 1972. Bob and Nancy moved the family to Mesa, AZ in 1972 where he spent 24 years as owner of an agency for Allstate Insurance. Bob lost his late wife, Nancy, to cancer in 1993. In 1995, Bob married Betty Ebel. He retired from Allstate in June of 2000, and in 2006 he came out of retirement to take a fun job as a golf marshal at Longbow Golf Club in Mesa. A memorial service will be held on Saturday September, 5th @ 10am, at St. Luke Church, 807 N. Stapley Dr., Mesa, AZ 85205. A military burial will follow at Mt. View Memorial Gardens, 7900 E. Main St., Mesa, AZ 85207 In lieu of flowers, a Memorial has been set up for Robert W. Daly Jr. with Hospice of the Valley: Hospice of the Valley Fund Development 1510 E. Flower Street Phoenix, AZ 85014 602-530-6900, or on their website at www.hov.org – click donate here and complete the form