Peter John Daly of Queensbury, NY, died on July 12, 2024, at the age of 90, from complications of Parkinson's Disease and Lewy Body Dementia. Although over time his mobility reduced and his active memory clouded, his family relished the opportunities to sit with him and bask in the flood of memories and patchwork of illustrative stories that these illnesses unleashed.

He was born at home in Pulaski, NY, on October 6, 1933, to Virginia Ann (Ryan) and Glenn Allen Daly.

As a child, he became ill with pneumonia, was bedridden for a year, and almost died at age eight. The damage to his lungs resulted in a failed physical exam years later when drafted to serve in the Army during the Korean War.

He loved to take the train from Pulaski to Syracuse to visit family, especially his Uncle Dick (Ryan) and Aunt Rosemary, whose house he loved seeing decorated at Christmas. His favorite uncle, Henry Daly, worked for the NYCRR as a brakeman, and he loved to wave as the train rolled by.

Descended from a family of dairy farmers, he spent his summers in between college semesters driving a milk delivery truck throughout Pulaski.

After a bumpy start to his higher education journey – it remains unclear to this day if he was asked to leave or volunteered to leave Albany State - he ultimately graduated from the State University of Oswego with a Bachelor's of Science in Education.

His career as an educator began in 1956 at Lyons Elementary School in Lyons, NY. He claimed with much fervor that in his first class was 'Little Jimmy.' He forever took credit for Coach Boeheim's wins at Syracuse, stating after every 'Cuse basketball win, "One doesn't get that good without a great elementary teacher."

He married JoAnne Maloney on June 8, 1963, in Lowville, NY. He and JoAnne moved to Glens Falls in 1965, settling in Queensbury in 1967, where they raised their family. True to its claim, it was indeed a 'good place to live.'

After a short stint at Kensington Road School in Glens Falls, NY, he accepted a position at Lake George Elementary School in Lake George, NY. From 1968 to his retirement in 1995, "Mr. Daly" loved reading 'The Westing Game,' 'The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,' and 'James and the Giant Peach' and finding creative ways to introduce the world of math to his students.

During the school year and summers, he often worked two, if not three, other jobs. Despite having a motorcycle license his entire life, he would hop on his bicycle to pedal to the first and next job, carefully carrying meals and snacks in a metal H. R. Pufnstuf lunchbox. When the long summer days ended, he would roll his bike into the driveway and yell, "Get out of the water, I just saw lightning!" The pool emptied of kids; he would dive in and enjoy a quiet swim.

During retirement, he re-kindled his passion as an educator by substitute teaching ("None of the headaches and all of the joy.") and by working at the front desk for various hotels and motels. In the latter, he basked in welcoming visitors to "his town." In this role, he also enjoyed sending people to the wrong church services ("Gotta mix the faiths") and giving them directions for the long way home ("There's more to this area than Route 9 and the Northway.").

He attended hundreds of high school athletic events, especially at Queensbury High School, or those that let him hop in the car for a road trip with his 'ball-watching buddies,' Walter Curren and John Strough. He was extremely proud to be honored as a 'Lifetime Spartan Supporter' by the Queensbury High School Athletic Association.

Educators to the core, he and his wife intentionally structured opportunities for their children to develop deep and lasting appreciation and engagement with the visual and performing arts, history, and literature. A lover of "Big Broadway" he had an encyclopedic knowledge of its shows, stars, producers, songwriters, and lyrics. To compensate for missed live experiences, he borrowed thousands of movies (VHS then DVD) from Crandall Public Library, Hollywood Video, and Blockbuster Video. That all his children can easily sing the lyrics to 'Jesus Christ Superstar,' 'The King and I,' 'Camelot,' and scores of other productions is a blessing and a curse.

"Pete" is pre-deceased by his parents and younger sister and favorite sidekick Margaret "Peg" Soule.

"Peter" is survived by his wife of 61 years, JoAnne Daly.

"Dad" is also survived by his seven children, Kathleen Daly, Mary Jo Daly (Robert LaPell), Ellen Ryan, Jane Daly, Elizabeth Daly Fougere (Dennis Fougere), Anne Daly, and Michael Daly (Jessica Martin).

"Papa Peter" and "Paka" was loved by his seven grandchildren, Samuel LaPell (Khanyisile Ndaba), Joseph LaPell, Lucy Fougere, Henry Fougere, Lily Daly, Charlotte Daly, and Miles Daly.

Additionally, he is survived by his sisters-in-law, Arlene Turner, and Jeanette Schultz (William Schultz). "Uncle Pete" was a favorite target of the Turner and Schultz nieces and nephews. He spent years, particularly his last years, laughing, with tears in his eyes, recollecting their exploits against his cars. He is also survived by his sister's children, his beloved nieces, Kate, Charlotte, and Nan.

He was a life-long lover of pets, especially Malloy (the dog), and cherished their long walks in the woods. Elliott (the cat) remains at home, keeping his chair and the memories of their time together warm.

Calling hours are on Friday, July 19, from 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm with service to follow at 5:00 pm at Baker Funeral Home, 11 Lafayette Street, Queensbury, NY.

A private burial service will be scheduled at the convenience of the family.

His family would like to acknowledge the staff at the Glens Falls Center, particularly Michelle and Liz "Mama," and the entire West Wing. Their compassionate care and considerate attention to his needs made his final months comfortable.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in his name be made to Crandall Public Library, 251 Glen Street, Glens Falls, NY 12801, or Lewy Body Dementia Association, 912 Killian Hill Road S.W., Lilburn, GA 30047.

Condolences may be sent directly to Baker Funeral Home.