Michael E. Daly's Obituary
Michael E. Daly, 83, of Deltona, Florida, was welcomed into heaven on June 23, 2026 with his son at his side. A devoted family man, faithful servant, and natural leader, Michael leaves behind a legacy defined by professional excellence, deep community impact, and an unwavering love for his family.
Born and raised in St. Joseph, Missouri, Michael was the son of the late Rose Marie (Conner) and Thomas Vincent Daly. He grew up in a large, vibrant Irish family, where he discovered a lifelong passion for cooking in the family kitchen. He graduated from Christian Brothers Academy and shortly after met the love of his life, Patricia--proposing on their first date! At the same time, Michael answered the call to serve his country in the United States Navy.
From 1963 to 1967, Michael served aboard the destroyer USS Soley. Encouraged to enlist by his older brother, Pat, Michael quickly discerned his path forward. Displaying the sharp wit and leadership that would define his entire life, he famously reasoned that if he couldn't run the ship, he would run the kitchen—the two true centers of power on a vessel. He honorably completed his service as a Commissaryman Third Class (CS3), cooking for his fellow sailors with pride from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean, Indian and Pacific Oceans and the Red Sea.
Following his naval service, where he had been based in Charleston, SC, Michael headed north to Vestal, New York, where he launched a distinguished, 30-year career in credit union management. He served notably as the President of BCT Federal Credit Union, leading the institution through eras of immense modernization and growth from the 1970s until his retirement in 2004. At BCT, he worked alongside his beloved wife, Patricia. Spending their days together at work and their evenings together at home, the pure strength and joy of their marriage was an inspiration to all who knew them.
Michael and Patricia also shared a passion for breeding and showing Doberman Pinschers under the kennel name DalClar. Together, they traveled across the country, making new friends at every show. During this time, they bred many generations of dobermans, including successfully raising four national Top 20 champions.
Michael was a man who easily connected with everyone he met, going out of his way to recognize, include, and lift up those around him. He was a natural leader who instantly found himself guiding any organization he touched. In his retirement years in Deltona, he became an anchor of his parish, Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Church, serving faithfully as a sacristan and usher, leading parish fish frys (among many other events), and serving as Grand Knight for the Knights of Columbus.
Above all professional and civic achievements, Michael’s greatest joy was his wife and family. He loved spending time with them, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who brought an immense spark to his later years. In recent years, his love for his wife was never more evident as he helped her navigate the painful journey of dementia. Despite more recently working through his own battle with Parkinson’s, Michael’s devotion to Pat never wavered as he continued caring for her at home, until the very end.
Michael is survived by his beloved wife of over 60 years, Patricia Ann (Clark); his son, Robert, and daughter-in-law, Mary (Mount Arlington, NJ); his adored grandchildren Kevin (and wife, Gabrielle), Rachel, Maddy, and Lexi. He was the proudest great-grandfather to Violet and Cameron. He was preceded in death by his cherished son, James "Jim" Daly (2019), his parents, and six of his seven siblings.
Visitation and Service Details:
Family and friends are invited to gather for a visitation on Monday, July 6, 2026, from 2:00 to 5:00 PM at Baldauff Family Funeral Home, 1233 Saxon Blvd, Orange City, FL 32763.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated by his close friend, Father Kenny, on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Church, Maximillian St, Deltona, Florida. Michael will be laid to rest with full military honors at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery in Mims, Florida. Please note, people attending the burial ceremony at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery will align their cars on Lane C.
What’s your fondest memory of Michael?
What’s a lesson you learned from Michael?
Share a story where Michael's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Michael you’ll never forget.
How did Michael make you smile?