More detail on this person: Reverend Jerome R. Daly, 91, passed away at his home on January 14, 2023. Jerry was born July 21, 1931 in Oakland, CA to John Leo and Dorothy Little Daly. One of three boys, he attended public schools in suburban Philadelphia and graduated from St. Joseph's College. Jerry entered military service in 1949 as a member of the 111 th RCT, and then re-enlisted in 1958 after serving as a volunteer firefighter, working at Bell Helicopter as a test pilot, and pursuing a career in insurance. Jerry entered active duty in 1964 and served three tours of duty as a helicopter pilot in Vietnam. He held most ranks from private to lieutenant colonel, including Chief Warrant Officer. Among the most significant honors awarded to Jerry were: Silver Star and Bronze Star Medals, three Distinguished Flying Crosses, two Purple Hearts, and the Distinguished Service Cross for heroically rescuing three downed helicopter crews who were threatened by two Viet Cong battalions on Easter Sunday, 1967. After returning from Vietnam and for the remainder of his army career, Jerry worked in army aviation and was honorably discharged in 1982. After his military service, Jerry entered Mount St. Mary's Seminary in MD and was ordained May 9, 1987 by Arlington Bishop John R. Keating. Father Daly served as parochial vicar at St. Ambrose Parish in Annandale from 1987-1991 and then at St. Leo the Great Parish in Fairfax, VA from 1991-1994. He then served as pastor of St. John the Beloved Parish in McLean, VA from 1994-2000 and of St. Michael Parish in Annandale until his retirement in 2004. After retirement from active priesthood, Father Daly presided at The Fairfax Army Retirement Community in Fort Belvoir, VA. For twenty years he served selflessly as the unofficial pastor of The Fairfax by saying mass each Thursday and on Holy Days of Obligation; he was always ready to be of service not only to the Catholic community, but also to any resident in need of solace or counsel. Father Daly was a steadfast friend to many. He was predeceased by his older brother John and his younger brother Thomas. He is survived and will be missed by his nieces, Emily Mee (Daniel) and Morgan Zimmerer (Hans) and his nephews John Daly (Terese) and Marcus Daly (Kelly) and seventeen grand- nieces and nephews. Visitation will be on Friday, January 20, from 3-8 p.m. at St. Raymond Catholic Church, 8750 Pohick Rd., Springfield, VA with a prayer vigil at 7:30. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, January 21 at 11 a.m. at St. Raymond. Burial will follow afterwards at Fairfax Memorial Park Cemetery, Fairfax, VA. A light reception at St. Raymond will follow the internment. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Wounded Warrior Project.
Burial information: Fairfax Memorial Park Cemetery, Fairfax, VA.
This information was last updated 04/26/2023
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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024
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