Francis Martin Daley of 921 Nantasket Avenue, Hull, died Friday, February 7, two weeks short of his eighty-ninth birthday. He was born in Dorchester on February 21, 1915, graduated from Charlestown High School, attended Wentworth Institute, and worked as a mechanic for Gillette where he met his wife, Eleanor Fay. An avid sports fan and a lefty first baseman, he played in Boston’s All-City league. Throughout life he was devoted to the Red Sox, hoping for victory even in his last summer.
He enlisted in the Army-Air Force in 1942, graduated from Aerial Gunner and Radio Operator's schools, and was appointed to the 38th Bombardment squadron, though he was taller than height limitations. He stooped during the medical and his height was recorded at two inches below regulation. Stationed at Saipan with the 883d Bombardment squadron, his was among those 330 B-29s that attacked Tokyo in March, 1945. His Super-fortress fought in the most heavily defended area of the Japanese Empire from medium altitude against a fiercely determined fighter opposition. For “calmness under fire, superior professional skill and courageous devotion to duty,” when his B29 pursued and shot down an enemy bomber, Frank along with his fellow crew members received the Distinguished Flying Cross. He also received the Air Medal with four clusters. He served in the U.S. Air Force Reserves for 14 years until 1959, when he won the Airman of the Year award.
He retired from his position as chief clerk of the finance section of the Uphams Corner Post Office in Dorchester, and lived reclusively in Hull for the past thirty years. For the past six years he fought relentlessly to stay in his own home, though afflicted with cancer, accompanying infections and pneumonia. He was a devoted father and beloved grandparent, and his family announces this loss with deepest sorrow.
Former husband of Eleanor Daley. Beloved father of Maureen Louzan of Scituate, Michael and wife Kathy Prunty of Mt.Vernon, WA, and Kathleen of Braintree. Dear uncle of Rick & Nancy Hanafin, and the late Paul. Loving grandfather of Rebecca & Molly Louzan, and Theo Daley.
Thank you to all friends, neighbors, Hull Fire Department, and home care personnel who helped.
Services will be private.
Donations in memory of Mr. Daley may be made to Life Care Center of the South Shore 309 Drift Way Scituate, MA 02066.