Daly, Cornelius Francis “Neal” of South Natick, formerly of Wellesley, died peacefully on Friday, December 9, 2022, at the age of 87. Born on May 21, 1935, in Boston, MA, and raised in Everett, MA, he was the beloved son of Cornelius and Rosanna Daly (née Cahill) and the adored eldest brother to his four siblings.
Neal was a proud alumnus of Boston College High School, College of the Holy Cross, and Boston College Law School, and his commitment to the tenets of his Jesuit education are evidenced across the span of his career.
After an honorable discharge from the Air National Guard, Neal practiced law and was active in Frank Bellotti’s campaign for governor. His truest calling and deepest professional satisfaction, however, was in teaching and mentoring. Neal was a member of the New England Law faculty for 37 years, holding roles as acting dean, associate dean, assistant dean of the school, and a professor in Torts and Wills, Estates, and Trusts. His impact can be measured in the number and depth of personal connections that he forged with so many colleagues and students.
Neal’s passion for his work and his commitment to service were surpassed only by his joy in spending time with his family and appreciating the simple pleasures in life. His greatest enjoyment was creating lasting memories with those he loved, whether hosting Thanksgivings and teaching his children to ski in Stowe, VT, sharing a round of golf in Jupiter, FL, embracing the company of family and friends at Wellesley Country Club, or delighting in conversation that encouraged both civility and critical thinking. Of his many roles, Neal's greatest pride and pleasure was being a father and grandfather, and he was deeply admired and beloved by his children.
Neal had a way of making others feel at ease, not only with his self-deprecating humor but also through his interest in them and the world around him. His sharp wit and engaging storytelling made him the guest you hoped to be seated next to at a dinner party, and his unmistakable peal of laughter will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him.
Neal is predeceased by his brothers, William and John, his sister, Eleanor Rohrer, and his brother-in-law Henry “Bud” Rohrer. He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Marie (née Loughran); his three children: William “Bill” Daly (Portland, ME), Elizabeth “Liz” Daly (Biddeford, ME), and Katherine “Kate” Daly Ritchie (South Natick, MA); his son-in-law, Alex Ritchie, and 15-month-old grandson, John Francis Ritchie; his devoted sister, Kathleen Nickrosz, and brother-in-law, Leonard (Boxborough, MA); his sister-in-law, Shirley Daly; and his many nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Neal’s life will be held in the spring.
In remembrance of Neal, the family requests that any donations be made to the Lenny Zakim Fund https://thelennyzakimfund.org.