 GLOUCESTER — Thomas F. Daly, 99, a resident of Gloucester and a former resident of Arlington and Cambridge, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 9, 2010.
He was born in Newark, N.J. to his parents, Thomas and Louise (Gendron) Daly. Tom was raised and educated in East Cambridge. From a very young age, he learned how to make a living. From fixing bicycles to opening a fancy lemonade stand, he always showed his entrepreneurial spirit. He was the first person in his neighborhood to purchase a car. Tom was an accomplished drummer in an orchestra in his early years. He was also very fond of playing the piano and organ.
At the age of 19, he opened Daly Mills Curtain & Drapery Store on Cambridge Street in Cambridge. At one point in his life the store expanded to 12 different locations. Tom remained a fixture at the store until his retirement at the age of 82.
Being an avid boater, Tom helped form the Charles River Yacht Club in Cambridge. He held the position of Commodore for 10 years and was also a past Commander for the United States Power Squadron. Since 1944, he and his family have spent the summer months at their cottage in Gloucester. Tom was a devoted to his wife and family. He spent many Sunday’s with his family boating in Gloucester.
The winter months would bring Ski Season and Tom would teach his children to Ski. Of course, Tom’s version of teaching was dropping the Kids off at Ski School so he and his wife Alma could enjoy lunch together. He was involved in several fund-raisers at Matignon High School in Cambridge and is a former President of the Knights of Matignon. He was also an Incorporator at East Cambridge Savings Bank. Tom enjoyed the stock market, trading up until the day before he passed. Throughout his life he strived to be a proud man of strong faith and values.
Tom was the beloved husband of 65 years to his wife, Alma, who predeceased him in 1998. He was the loving father of five children: Alma L. McLaughlin and her husband Bob of Tewksbury, Carol M. Craig and her husband Paul of Rockport, Marilyn J. Breslin of Georgetown, Thomas F. Daly Jr. of Laconia, N.H., and Mary Elaine Daly of Gloucester. He was the proud grandfather of 19 grandchildren and the great-grandfather of 40 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. Along with his parents and his wife, Tom was predeceased by his brothers, Leo and Arthur Daly.
ARRANGEMENTS: Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral from the Breslin Funeral Home, 610 Pleasant St., Malden, on Saturday, Jan. 16, at 10 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian burial celebrated at St. Agnes Church, 51 Medford St., Arlington, at 11 a.m. Services will conclude with interment in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Arlington. Visiting hours will be held at the funeral home on Friday, Jan. 15, from 4 to 8 p.m. For guestbook and directions, please visit www.breslinfuneralhome.com. |
