Robert Howell Daly

Robert Howell Daly of Vero Beach, Florida, passed away peacefully on January 18, 2025, at the Ardie R. Copas State Veterans’ Nursing Home in Port St. Lucie, where he was cared for by an incredible team of nurses and staff. He was 87 years old with well over “nine lives.”

Robert was born on December 31, 1937, in Malden, Massachusetts to Michael and Helen (Brosnan Gilligan) Daly. Adoring husband for 53 years of Judith (Chapdelaine) Daly of Vero Beach. Beloved father of Brendan and his wife, Kimberly (Hogan) Daly of Braintree and Tara (Daly) Brady of Charlestown, Massachusetts. “Gaga” was the doting and proud grandfather of Cooper and Peyton Brady.

“Bobby” was the youngest and dear brother of the late Danny Daly, Mary (Gilligan) Kelley and Billy, Bernard, Lawrence, John and Michael Gilligan. He is survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

“Bob” had great pride for his family and Irish heritage. He never missed a St. Patrick’s Day celebration or a Notre Dame football game. A fierce sports fanatic, Bob had the gift of gab and would brag about his siblings, wife, children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews to anyone in proximity. Bob was a longtime resident of Wilbraham, Massachusetts, where he and Judy raised their family. He was well known in this community as “Coach Daly.”

An alumnus of Merrimack College, Bob was an entrepreneur and educator. He completed graduate programs in Psychology, Special Education and Counseling from Westfield State University. Bob was a member of the Elks, American Legion, Notre Dame Club and Knights of Columbus. He proudly defended our freedom by serving in the United States Army.

A Funeral Mass celebrating Robert's eternal life will take place at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 500 Iris Lane, Vero Beach, Florida at 10:00 am on Tuesday, February 11, 2025. Interment with military honors will be held at the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Connery Avenue, Bourne, Massachusetts at 1:15 pm on Wednesday, March 5, 2025. Family and friends are welcome to attend both services and are cordially invited to gather and share memories with Robert’s family immediately after; details are forthcoming.

In lieu of flowers and to continue Robert’s love for merriment, please consider making donations in his memory to the Ardie R. Copas State Veterans’ Nursing Home designated to the “The Liberty Activities Fund” at 13000 SW Tradition Parkway, Port St. Lucie, Florida 34987.