Gary Victor Daily

Gary was born to Imelda (1915-1998) and Victor Daily (1908-1973) at Morton Plant Hospital in the midst of the depression. He lived his childhood in Clearwater with his grandparents (Albert F. Wallace, Mary Ann Wallace), attending both North Ward and South Ward Elementary Schools. His grandfather was a Clearwater homebuilder and city commissioner.

He was drafted into the Army in 1953 and served in the Korean Conflict until 1955 when he was honorably discharged at the rank of Private First Class. He served in the 26th Signal Construction Battalion where he earned the National Defense Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, and Good Conduct Medal. His unit (Company B) was awarded a Meritorious Unit Commendation streamer for its exceptional performance in Korea.

Gary met the love of his life, Patricia (“Pat”) Silo, in 1957 at the service station where he worked at the corner of Court Street and South Highland Avenue. They were married in 1958 at St. Cecelia’s Catholic Church in Clearwater.

Gary worked for the Florida Department of Transportation for 33 years, retiring as an Engineer I in 1994. His notable projects included the replacement of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge from 1982-87, but he worked on many of the state roads in Pinellas County.

He was an avid gardener, loved bluegrass and old-time country music, and adored Appalachia. His gardens at their Sparrow Avenue home, where they resided for 39 years, were known for their bounty of tomatoes, collard greens, root vegetables and flowers. He loved tending to seedlings, nurturing them to overflowing beds of flowers and vegetables. Pat and Gary moved to Dunedin in 2012.

Gary’s happiest days were spent in the garden and with family. A home-cooked meal of southern comfort food was his idea of Heaven on earth and Pat was his favorite cook. He loved to have a house full of family with laughter from all the grandkids.

Gary passed peacefully surrounded by family on June 6, 2026. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Patricia Daily, daughter Tricia Manning, son-in-law Kevin Manning, granddaughters Mia Manning, Madeline Manning, son Todd Daily, daughter-in-law Christina Daily, grandson Gabriel Daily, and granddaughter Isabella Daily.