Richard F Daly

Richard F. Daly Jr. (76) of Stamford passed away unexpectedly at Stamford Hospital on August 21, 2024. Rick was born in Stamford, CT and was the son of the late Richard F. Daly Sr. and the late Claire Marie (Goettel) Daly. Rick was a proud Army veteran, having served from 1967 – 1971, including a deployment to Vietnam as an Intelligence Analyst and Code Breaker with the United States Army Security Agency. It was this experience that taught Rick how to complete the cryptogram in the daily newspaper in under five minutes before moving on to his daily crossword puzzle.

After leaving the Army, Rick served over three decades in law enforcement, eventually retiring as a Sergeant from the Greenwich (CT) Police Department where he received numerous citations and commendations for exceptional police work. While Rick spent his entire career in law enforcement, anyone who had the pleasure of bearing witness to his extensive collection of collectibles may have thought that deep down he really wanted to be a firefighter.

Rick was also well known in the folk music community, having grown up a die-hard fan of the “Kingston Trio” and countless other folk groups. Rick loved playing guitar and banjo with his best friends and was the musical lead of the folk group “The Villagers” in the mid to late 60’s. Rick developed and managed the website “folkusa.org” and graciously advertised folk music groups on his website at no cost so as to further the love of his favorite music genre.

Nothing could upset Rick more than his beloved Dallas Cowboys. While they provided him with five Super Bowl Championships in his early years, they really let him down in the 21 st Century. Fortunately, while living in Pennsylvania, Rick had adopted the Philadelphia Phillies as his favorite baseball team, and he was able to see the Phillies clinch the 2009 Pennant at Citizen’s Bank Park when his kids surprised him with tickets to the game. Rick loved talking about that game, though everyone agreed not to discuss the subsequent World Series.

While his Cowboys may have upset him, Rick could always find solace in his “kitties”. Throughout the years, Rick and Diane cared and fostered countless felines, and Rick was always glad to tell you about each and every one of them.

Rick is survived by his wife, Diane Daly, as well as his children Christopher Daly (Christine), Kathryn (Alexander Gasbarro), and stepson Joseph Lumento (Katie). Rick is also the proud “Grandpaw” to Katia, Allison, Ivy, Emmett, and Leo.

Relatives and friends are invited to his funeral mass on Friday, September 6, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church, 37 Schuyler Avenue, Stamford CT, 06902. Immediately following the mass, Chris and Kathi would love to hear your best “Rick Stories” before leaving the church and adjourning to Rick’s favorite dining spot to celebrate his life.

In lieu of flowers, please enjoy a glass of “Cold Duck” with your loved ones. Donations can also be made to the Stamford Animal Shelter Alliance, 65 High Ridge Road #655, Stamford CT, 06905.

To leave an online condolence, please visit www.lacerenzafh.com