Obituary of James Gerard Daley

It is with sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of James Gerard Daley on Thursday, September 7, 2023, at Pine Grove Nursing Home, Fredericton, NB. Jim was born in Saint John, NB, on April 29, 1927, to the late James L. and Catherine G. (Warner) Daley.

Jim was predeceased by Joan, his wife of 70 years, his brother Ted Daley, his sisters Sr. Dorothy Daley, Marg Murphy, Essie O’Leary, Josie Murphy, Carm Gormley and Gert McCann, and grand-daughter Lindsay Erin Browne-Daley.

He leaves behind his five children Sean (Cathy), Chris (Sandra Browne), Joanne, AnneMarie and Mark (Beth), 12 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.

After marrying Joan in Saint John in 1952, they moved to Fredericton where he continued his retail career in men’s wear as salesman, buyer and as Store Manager. In 1973, he changed direction to work within the Department of Health until he and Joan retired together in 1989.

His love for the arts showed from an early age taking art in Vocational School. As a member of the CYO he was involved in the Glee Club, Drama and the Knights of Columbus operettas. He was gifted with a great tenor voice and sang in the choir of every Parish he belonged to. He sang as a member of the Barbershoppers chorus and in quartets. He actively pursued painting correspondence courses while working full time and raising a family. In 1973 he was able to devote more time to painting. His love for rural and coastal scenery is evident in his successful solo and group exhibitions. In his later years he took up wood carving.

He had a great sense of humour and a warm smile that allowed him to make easy connections with people. He was a devoted member of St. Dunstan’s Parish with a strong religious faith leading to his passionate involvement as participant or leader in Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA), Charismatic renewal, Eucharist ministry and Prayer Group. He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus and a member of the fourth degree. He was also involved with Birthright and Right to Life. He and Joan were recipients of the Bishop Dollard Medal for their involvement in the religious activities of the life of the parish.

Our deepest appreciation to the exceptional staff of Pine Grove for the love, care, and attention they gave him over the last 11 months, as a member of their family.

Visitation will be at McAdam’s Funeral Home in Fredericton on Thursday, September 14th, from 2 to 6 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Dunstan’s on Friday, September 15th, at 11 am. A reception to follow in Monsignor Boyd Family Centre. Interment will follow the reception at the Hermitage Catholic Cemetery. The Mass will live-streamed, and can be viewed at the following link, https://vimeo.com/event/3698786.

At the family’s request, donations can be made to the Women's Care Center in lieu of flowers.