Final Salute

MECHANICVILLE — Donald J. “Pup” Daley, 98, passed away peacefully on December 10, 2025, in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his loving and faithful family. Born in Mechanicville on January 17, 1927, he was the son of the late Ben and Catherine Witkop Daley.

Pup attended the Mechanicville School District before proudly serving his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II. As a Seabee he was in the Pacific Theatre, spending significant time on both Okinawa Saipan and Tinian. Following the war, he returned home and began what would become a nearly 40–year career at G.E. Silicone in Waterford, retiring in 1989.

A lifelong member of American Legion Post 91, Pup treasured the friendships he made there. He was also a member of the Mechanicville–Stillwater Elks Lodge 1403 and a parishioner of All Saints on the Hudson. A standout athlete during his years at Mechanicville High School, Pup was honored in 2018 with induction into the Mechanicville Hall of Fame.

Pup thrived in the comfort of routine, which became part of the fabric of his life: visits to Post 91, meals at Bubbles Restaurant, walks through St. Paul’s Cemetery, popping into local businesses around town, pulling over to collect wood he deemed fit for burning, and splitting wood at home—just a few of the many memorable “Pup-isms” his family and friends cherished. He was also an avid golfer, enjoyed traveling with his beloved wife Dora, and loved the many backyard cookouts they hosted. Most memorably, he relished doing shots of LTD with Harp and Julie. Pup and Dora were blessed with the best neighbors anyone could hope for—Harp and Julie and their children Karen, Kathy, Kris, and John(and most recently John, his wife Laurie and their children).

Pup is survived by his devoted wife of 74 years, Dora Serbalik Daley, whom he married on May 5, 1951; his children Donald (Lucy) Daley Jr., Tina Pearl, Lois Celeste, and Maria (Aaron) Barr; grandchildren Kendra, Erin, Nicholas, Michael, Joe, Katie, Daniel, Steven, Bret, Emily, and TJ; several great-grandchildren; and many loving nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his siblings William, Bennett, and Bernie Daley, and Kate Springer.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, December 12th at 1:00 PM at All Saints on the Hudson, Mechanicville. Calling hours will be held at the church prior to the Mass, beginning at 11:00 AM. Following the service, military honors and burial will take place at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery. For those unable to attend services, the family will greet visitors at American Legion Post 91, 27 S. Main St., Mechanicville, from 3:30–6:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to American Legion Post 91 or the Saratoga Senior Center in memory of Pup Daley. To leave condolences, share memories and photos, or for directions, please visit www.devito-salvadorefh.com