Jack Dailey: Coach and Player for the American Legion basketball team for over 21 years

John E. (Jack) Dailey, went to see the Lord on Monday, Dec. 8, 2008, after a courageous fight with melanoma cancer.

Jack was born to Amelia and John Dailey on May 11, 1927, in Olean, NY. At a very young age, Jack’s family moved to St. Marys and lived at 574 Maurus Street. During his younger years, he served as an altar server for morning mass at the convent. He attended Central Catholic High School where he excelled as captain of the basketball team and graduated in 1945. Soon after high school, he entered the U.S. Army and served in the European Theatre during World War II.

On May 17, 1952 he exchanged vows with his love of his life, Elizabeth G. (Betty) Dippold. God blessed their union with four children who survive, John Dailey and his wife Karen of San Antonio, Texas; Mary Jo Whitman and her husband Mike of Erie; Michael Dailey and his wife Meredith of Cranberry Township; Linda Hart and her husband John of DuBois, nine grandchildren and four great granchildren also survive.

Jack worked two jobs for the majority of his life. At Stackpole Carbon he worked for 37 years as a tool & die maker, retiring in 1990. During his free hours, he accumulated over 42 years of service at various sales jobs with the Straub Brewery.

Although the St. Marys Burial Detail was only officially activated in 1952, Jack and other charter members began honoring veterans in 1947. With over 55 years of service, Jack’s longevity and dedication allowed him to attend the most funerals in the Detail’s history. The Detail’s efforts paid an appropriate tribute to over 1,000 of St. Marys’ veterans. Captain Jack also helped establish the American Legion basketball team, where he played and coached for over 21 years.

As a founding member of the Bavarian Hills Golf Course, men like Jack Dailey developed the idea for another golf course in St. Marys. He really enjoyed golf with his friends in the various golf leagues. The camaraderie at the 19th hole, however, was more important than any pars or birdies.

Since his wife passed away in 1988, the “Shack” in the Truman area became his summer project. Nearly every day he could be found “working” around the property. He loved the camp. During cold weather, he enjoyed the outdoors and hunting. He was true sportsman. He wanted to help return our state game lands to their fertile roots of the 1950’s.

Mr. Dailey was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Betty and a sister, Patricia A. Dailey.

A Mass of Christian Burial for John E. (Jack) Dailey will be celebrated in the St. Mary’s Church on Friday, Dec. 12, at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Daniel Wolfel, O.S.B., as celebrant. Full military rites will be accorded by the St. Marys Servicemen’s Burial Detail. Burial will follow in the St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Visitation is at the Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home, 169 Center Street, St. Marys, on Thursday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 144 Church Street, St. Marys, PA, or to the Elk County Catholic High School, 600 Maurus Street, St. Marys, PA 15857.

Credit: St.Mary's Daily Press, 12/9/08