William Thomas Daley

1938 - 2017

William Thomas Daley obituary, 1938-2017, Citrus Heights, CA

BORN

1938

DIED

2017

FUNERAL HOME

Reichert's Funeral & Cremation Services

7320 Auburn Blvd

Citrus Heights, California

William Daley Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Aug. 7, 2017.

Bill was born July 27, 1938 in Denver, Colorado to Michael Angelo Daley and Vivian Annetta Short.

Bill is survived by his wife Diana, daughter Michelle and her husband Chris, sons Toby and Kevin. Also survived by brother Tim and his wife Peggy, sister Charlene and her husband David.

He was blessed with grandchildren, Austin, Harrison, Rebecca and Shannon and three great-grandchildren, Joseph, Caleb and Rory, Jr.

Bill is also survived by his father-in-law Robert Brill, brother in-law Dennis, sister-in-law Marina, Half sister Shirley Wilcox and several nieces and nephews.

He would not want to forget a special part of his family, Kathy Durr.

Bill graduated from Castlemont High School in 1957 where he excelled in swimming. He later took that passion and enlisted in the United States Navy where, earning the rank of PFC, served a six-year term, both enlisted and reserve, and part of that stationed in the Philippines.

Those that were blessed to know him would agree that he was a hard working man, taking every task given
seriously and completed with perfection. Bill had various jobs throughout his life, but the majority of
those were at Electro Engineering, a transformer manufacturing company in San Leandro, Ca, where he later was shop foreman. His hard work and dedication with the company would then take him and his family to Nevada where he worked at the Carson City plant for many years.

Bill and Diana purchased a home in Minden, Nevada in the Johnson Lane area on one acre, with nothing but house and sagebrush. Over the years, with Bill's talent for carpentry and landscaping, he would create a beautiful cozy retreat for their family and homes for all their critters, from chickens to horses. They truly loved their little ranch!

When not working at his regular job, working the little one acre, he joined the volunteer fire department for 8 years, during which he would serve as their fire chief for 4 of those…still not done, he went on to become an Emergency Medical Technician, both I and II, which enabled to do what he did best…help people… as he would say, "make the feel bads go away"…

His most favorite movie was "The Glenn Miller Story," always bringing a tear or two every time. Watch it sometime, just for him.

Bill touched so many lives with his warmth, generosity and sense of humor and maintained his trademark sense of humor all the way……..

Diana will miss is strumming on the guitar…"Eyes of blue" and singing out loud, anywhere, " Have I told you
lately that I love you…."

He truly loved his family, with all his heart, more than anyone will ever know.

Bill asked that there be no services; however, he deserved so much more. Bill will have a military ceremony
at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon, California, date pending.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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Not sure what to say?

August 30, 2017

Michelle Verbeck

As I look through photographs of my dad . . . I realized that he spent his whole life making other people smile. These pictures show a man who embraced a joyful nature and created moments of happiness for us to remember. My dad would smile so big that his glasses would raise up with his cheeks. His wit and sarcasm was ever present with intentions of making all of us laugh. Those are the memories that make me miss him the most.

From the time I was a little girl, my dad made it his mission to make by dreams come true. Upon moving to Nevada, it was obvious that every little girl needed their own pony. That is when our little one acre piece of property became an animal-packed ranch. I don't know if it was my mom's heart for the animals, but it was obvious my dad loved taking care of everything on the property. Soon our land was full of a barn, a pasture, a round pen, a garden, a duck pond, a chicken coop, horses, cows, pigs, chickens, ducks, geese, dogs, and cats! It was the perfect place to raise a little girl. My dad was always present, trailering me to and from horseshows sometimes every weekend, supporting me in my hopes and dreams, and also enduring my awkward teenage years. I have fond memories of taking the 22 pistol out and shooting cans at the sand pits, cutting and stacking our own firewood, hunting for the perfect Christmas tree and chopping it down ourselves, or the many chickens we butchered and plucked in our own backyard. My dad's hands blessed me, time and time again.

As I became an adult, the years flew by, and it was time to start my life with my new love, Christopher. I'll never forget the horse and buggy ride all the way to the altar. My dad said, I want to make sure you're okay. You can turn back at any time honey. Looking back on that, it was not that he didn't love Christopher. Even despite the expense already made for my magical day, he still wanted to be sure that my heart . . . and my smile . . . would be okay.

Now he is the one smiling. He is the one free from this world. And as I move on, I will take his enduring qualities and make others smile. I love you dad. I miss you so much it hurts. We will never be okay with losing you here, but we look forward to the day when we will join you.

Posted by Michelle Verbeck

August 29, 2017

Diana Daley

Posted by Diana Daley

August 19, 2017

Diana Daley

Bill's loyal friend, Max

Posted by Diana Daley

August 15, 2017

Lynne and Randy Gooch

Our Deepest Sympathy Is With You Diana... Bill Has Found Peace and No More Pain and Suffering in Heaven... Your Precious Mom Barbara, Who Loved Your Wonderful Husband Bill So'ooo Very Much and Bill's Other Family and Friend's, Were Waiting For Your Smiling Bill's Arrival...It Was A Blessing, To Know Your Dear Funny Bill Since The 70's, When You Became Forever One and Bill Will Be Missed By Anyone Who Was Lucky Enough To Know Him! Our Thought's, Prayer's and Sympathy is With You Diana, As Well As Your Dear Dad Bob, Bro Dennis, Sis Marina, Sis Shirley and All Of Your Awesome Family... We'll Sure Miss Bill, With All Of Our Love and Friendship Forever, Lynnie, Randy and Bee "Wishing We Could Hug You Right This Minute Diana", "XOXOXO!!!"

Posted by Lynne and Randy Gooch

August 15, 2017

Mark/Debbie Topping

This truly breaks my heart. Mark fought fires with Bill in Johnson Lane and we thought enough of him (and Diana) to designate him as a godparent to our daughter. Our thoughts are with you all in this time of sadness.

August 12, 2017

Rebecca Daley

My grandpa was the kindest, most caring, encouraging, noble man I have ever known throughout my 15 years of life. He has been such a huge part in my life, and will forever be. I remember when I was younger, whenever we would talk on the phone, he would always answer, "Who's this?" or "I don't know anyone by the name Rebecca," or some variation of that. It would always frustrate and amuse me beyond belief. I think one of the things I will miss most is his sense of humor and sarcasm. A long time ago, he gave me a state quarter collection booklet for quarters from 1999-2000. Many spots are filled up, but I plan on completing it and displaying it so I can always see something from my grandpa (including his Facebook frog and pictures of him). This past week, I have been trying to push the fact that he is gone to the back of my mind, dismissing it, if you could say. I don't want to face the fact that I've lost my grandfather... But going to Sacramento to spend time with Grandma and being told that he didn't suffer and how he saw the light and grabbed Grandma's hand when he could barley move before... It made me realize that he doesn't have to deal with all the pain anymore, he doesn't have to struggle anymore, he is probably happier now, watching over all of us. I cry as I type this... but no matter how much we miss him and want to bring him back, we can't. It is literally impossible. At first, when my mom told me he passed away, I was in shock; I didn't want to believe it, and I'm sure none of us did, but it was true. However, he is always here, with us in our hearts and watching over us in heaven, probably building a birdhouse or something of the sort.
There will not be a single day where I do not miss him. There will not be a single day where Grandma does not miss him. There will not be a single day where any of us do not miss him. I'm not quite sure where I'm going with this, I know it was just supposed to be a "Memories" writing about him, but I think you get the point. We have lost a wonderful, caring, sarcastic, and helpful man, but he will always be with us. We will always love him, and he will always, always love us.

One thing I truly, truly regret not doing is putting baby corn on a pair of corn holders, taking a picture, and sending it to Grandpa. I even got baby corn in a can and corn holders to do it with, but never actually did. I will though, that is a promise. Grandma, expect a strange picture of that in the near future.

I miss you, Grandpa, and I love you so much

August 12, 2017

Katherine Durr

Bill's patience and phone calls helped build the deck in our backyard. He would explain what I needed to do next then I would call back and ask him to explain again. He would patiently explain again over countless calls, countless. When we sit out on our deck that he helped Becca and I build we will always think of Grandpa.
He always told Becca how proud he was of her and how much he loved her and I know still does. Rebecca is who she is because he was in her life. I thank him so much for that. I may teach her to drive but grandpa was the first to put her behind the wheel.
My prayers are with all his family. I wish I could help you with the loss of a brother, father, grandfather, and husband. I am there for you if you ever need me.
My heart breaks for Diana. Diana's giving, loving spirit has taught us both a great deal. And her tenacity and strength is an example that rubbed off on Becca. I pray for her strength to continue as I know our love for her will.

Bill Daley......You are loved and will be greatly missed.

August 8, 2017

diana Daley

Posted by diana Daley

August 8, 2017

Diana Daley

You were the love of my life, my best friend, the most selfless person I know. God only knows how I will ever get along with out you..I love you so very much Bill. Diana

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Funeral services provided by:

Reichert's Funeral & Cremation Services

7320 Auburn Blvd, Citrus Heights, CA 95610

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