William Dailey Obituary

William C. Dailey, Sr. (Bill). On December 30, 2006, our Dad, William C. Dailey, Sr. (Bill) peacefully went to heaven to join his beloved wife, Ann, who preceded him on January 15, 2003. Dad retired as a Sgt. 1st Class, Tank Commander from the US Army and later from a second career at Hewlett-Packard. The Army was Dad's true calling in life and he entertained everyone with historic stories of WWII, and the years following, including a tour in Japan where he stood in formation to salute General Mac Arthur's departure. Dad was born in Kansas City, Missouri on July 15, 1925. Immediately after Pearl Harbor at the young age of 16 he joined the Army. In boot camp he became best friends with Bill Harty who hailed from an old Irish neighborhood in the Bronx, NY. A decision to go home on furlough with Bill to NY changed Dad's destiny when he met our mom, Ann, Bill Harty's sister (16). It was love at first sight. Our Dad and Uncle then left for the war, to serve under General Patton in Casablanca heading for the Italian campaign. Dad was wounded three separate times in Italy, earning him a Purple Heart and other honors. A true patriot and hero, he returned to his Irish sweetheart aboard the hospital ship, USS Shamrock. Ann's parents, Daniel Harty and Margaret Conway, came over from Ireland and met in NY. They had three boys, Bill, Bobby and Danny and one daughter, our Mom. This was quite the contrast from our Dad, an only child, raised in Missouri farm country by his mother, Evelyn, and other family members. The marriage of Ann and Bill on April 8, 1945, began a lifetime of adventures and army travel including Alaska and Germany. They were married 57 years when Mom died. Dad was the last to leave from the clan of long ago. Now they are all in Heaven together. Their spirits shall live on in cherished memories and stories handed down by their family: Five children and their spouses: Kathleen and Verle Kelly; Daniel and Monika Dailey; William C. Jr. and Sandra Dailey; Kimberly and Michael Tzitzicas and Patricia and Jeffrey March. A daughter, Sharon, died at birth in 1953. Nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren: Twins, William C III (wife, Jen) and Cheryl Sue Dailey, Kathryn Marie and Christine Elizabeth Dailey, Kyle Gregory and Stephen William Tzitzicas, Bettina Lacuesta (husband, Richard) and Vincent William and Daniel Thomas March. Great-grandchildren are Taylor Elizabeth and Zoë Ann Dailey; Emily Nicole and Abigail Jordyn Lacuesta and Anna-Sofie Dumke,and ten nieces and nephews and their families, living along the east coast. The family would like especially to thank Lori Censner whose respect and compassion caring for Dad allowed us to fulfill his wish to remain at home until almost the end. We are eternally grateful to Pikes Peak Hospice at St. Francis for all their services for Dad and our family through this difficult time. Our parents' ashes will be buried together at Ft. Logan Cemetery in Denver, CO. A memorial service for both Mom and Dad will be held January 13, 2007 at 12:30 pm at the Soldier's Memorial Chapel, Fort Carson. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Pikes Peak Hospice, 825 E. Pikes Peak Ave, Ste. 600, Colorado Springs, CO 80903. Call Advantage for instructions on how to get onto Fort Carson.