Obituary of Thomas J. Daly

Thomas J. Daly age 64 of Totowa died Sunday after a lengthy battle with cardiac and respiratory problems. He was Born in Pittsfield, Mass and moved to Paterson soon thereafter. He graduated from St. Bonaventure High School and Seton Hall University. He then enlisted in the Air Force and was stationed in Virginia, Las Vegas, Laos, Thailand, Philippines, Japan, Alaska and Arizona. Tom retired in 1989 after 27 years at the rank of Lt. Colonel. He remained in the Philippines managing a hotel in Angeles City for 2 years then moved to Okinawa, Japan as the Regional Manager of the Pacific Stars & Stripes newspaper. In 1994 he felt it was time to come home and retired in Totowa, NJ. Being too young for the rocking chair he got a job with Donaldson, Lufkin and Jenrette, an investment banking company in Manhattan where he worked until 1998 He was a highly decorated Air Force officer and a Vietnam War Veteran. He received the Meritorious Service Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Distinguished Presidential Unit Citation with 1 Leaf Cluster, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Overseas Service Short Tour Ribbon with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Force Overseas Long Tour Ribbon with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon with 5 Oak Leaf Clusters, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, Air Force Training Ribbon, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross With Device. He was a master scuba diver and taught scuba diving in the Philippines. He was a member of the American Legion Post #227, Totowa, a member of the Disabled American Veterans and a member of the VFW. He was a parishioner of Our Lady of Pompeii R.C. Church, Paterson. Survivors include: His wife: Juliet (nee Albano) Daly of Totowa, NJ 2 Daughters: Cathy Daly of Maui, Hawaii Xyra J. Daly of Totowa, NJ 1 Son: Thomas J. Daly Jr. of San Diego, CA Also survived by a daughter-in-law and 3 cousins. Festa memorial Funeral Home, 111 Union Blvd., Totowa is in charge of arrangements