DALEY, Reverend Francis E. Of Wareham, formerly of Wellesley, May 16, 2024.
Father Frank was born on Sept. 30, 1937 in Natick and grew up in Wellesley. He was predeceased by parents Francis and Priscilla Daley and sisters Mary Josselyn and Priscilla Stringfellow. He is survived by nieces Cynthia Stringfellow and Linda Stanerson and nephews Greg Stringfellow, John D Stringfellow, Michael Josselyn, and John Josselyn as well as several great-nieces and nephews and his dear friend of more than 60 years Father James Rafferty.
Father Frank was ordained on Feb. 2, 1963 at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Boston by Cardinal Cushing. He Went to St John’s Seminary and also attended Loyola University in Chicago where he earned a master’s in religious education.
Father Frank was known for his ability to connect with parishioners of all ages. He was truly a priest of the people. He had a special gift for preaching in a practical manner that appealed to all.
Father Frank, or Uncle Franny to his family, loved to sail. Together with his Co-Captain Father Jim his family and friends enjoyed many an outing on their sailboat The Jubilee over the many years. Father Frank was an avid sports fan. He loved his Celtics, Red Sox, and Patriots. He enjoyed skiing at Waterville Valley for many years.
After his retirement in 2012 he made his home in Wareham. Just as he made his pastoral community family he did the same with his neighbors and friends in Wareham. He was an avid walker and many of his neighbors set up chairs in their yard so he could sit and stop and rest. They truly were his extended family and made it possible for him to stay in his home and the community he loved. His family is truly grateful for all they did for him.
Father Frank served in the following locations:
1963 – 1967 Parochial Vicar at Saint Bernadette Parish in Randolph
1967 – 1968 Parochial Vicar at Saint Benedict Parish in Somerville
1968 - 1968 Parochial Vicar at Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Cambridge
1968 – 1968 Juvenile Court Chaplain – East Middlesex County District Court
1968 – 1973 Parochial Vicar at Saint Bernadette Parish in Randolph
1973 – 1979 Chaplain – Malden Catholic High School in Malden (part-time)
1979 – 1985 Parochial Vicar at Saint Thomas of Villanova Parish in Wilmington
1985 – 2004 Pastor of Saint James the Apostle Parish in Arlington
1993 – 1999 Vicar Forane for the Medford Vicariate
2004 – 2012 Pastor of Saints Martha and Mary Parish in Lakeville
2012 - Senior Priest/Retirement
Father Frank will lie in state in St. Paul’s Church, 502 Washington St., Wellesley on Thursday, May 23 from 9:30-10:30am followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00am. Relatives and friends kindly invited. Interment Woodlawn Cemetery, Wellesley.
In lieu of flowers please consider a contribution to St John's Seminary, 127 Lake St., Brighton, MA 02135 in memory of Father Daley and his legacy.