Tom Daly, Age 70, of Richardson, Texas passed away on Sunday, April 29, 2018 with his loving wife and children at his side. He was born Wednesday, September 25, 1947 to Frank and Marie (McLaughlin) Daly in New York, New York. He was the oldest of three siblings.
Tom graduated from DeWitt Clinton High School in the Bronx, New York and completed college coursework at both St. Mary’s of the Plains in Dodge City, Kansas and Iona in New Rochelle, New York.
Thomas was always known by Tom to his friends and was adoringly called Potts by his grandchildren. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and uncle. He was sincere, generous and always thought the best of others. He was witty, easy to laugh and steadfast in his beliefs.
Tom served in the 82nd Airborne Division in the United States Army until 1968 when he was wounded in action in Vietnam. He was honorably discharged and awarded the Purple Heart for his service.
Tom had a wonderful 30 year career with American Airlines. He started initially in ground services at LaGuardia Airport in New York, then went on to work in both ticketing and reservations before moving to Texas with the marketing automation group shortly after DFW Airport opened. This group ultimately became Sabre Travel and shaped online airline booking industry as we know it today. Toward the end of his career, the group he worked with was bought first by EDS and then by Hewlett-Packard before Tom retired in 2013 to spend much deserved time with family.
Tom married his high school sweetheart, Patricia Anne Shea, in June 1971 in the Bronx, New York. They met in a fabulous church performing group called The Summertime Singers. Not only did they meet each other, but they had many lifelong friends that were made through the organization. Tom and Pat celebrated 47 wonderful years of marriage together and welcomed three children along the way. Tom cherished his four beautiful grandsons and was overjoyed to learn he was expecting his first granddaughter in the coming months.
Tom loved road tripping with his beautiful wife, Pat, which he lovingly referred to as his “seat cover” as they crisscrossed the country in his sports car to attend family gatherings and enjoy National Parks and Monuments. He loved the beach and looked forward to annual family vacations on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina or Kiawah Island, South Carolina. He was typically the first one down to the beach in the morning and the last one up at night. He was an avid baseball fan and looked forward to Opening Day of the Texas Rangers each year. He attended Spring Training from time to time, purchased XM radio so he could follow the Rangers on his road trips and even got to attend a game at the franchise’s first World Series in 2010. In the baseball off season, he enjoyed following soccer and cheered for Manchester United. He was an Irishman and looked forward to celebrating St. Patty’s Day with his family each year.
Tom is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Marie Daly, his sister and brother-in-law, Mary and George Geissler, and his beloved mother-in-law, Dane.
Tom is survived by his wife; Patricia Daly, his daughter; Christine Quinn, her husband, William Quinn, and their children, Billy and Henry Quinn, his daughter; Bridget Mahmud, her husband, Gibran Mahmud, and their children, Jack and James Mahmud, and his son; Thomas James Daly, II. He also leaves behind Sammy, his golden retriever who was always by his side.
In lieu of flowers those wishing to make a donation in memory of Tom can do so in his name to Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Family Visitation: Thursday 5:00 - 8:00PM with Prayer Service 6:30 - 7:00PMat Ted Dickey West Funeral Home 8011 Frankford Road Dallas, Texas 75252.
Funeral Mass Service: Friday 11:00AM at St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church 1105 West 15th Street Plano, Texas 75075.
