Bernard L. Daley, 88, of rural Fostoria, OH, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on June 26, 2023. Born in the back of a taxicab on Christmas Day, 1934, he was the first-born son and one of seven children of John Bernard (Red) and Hazel (Mackenzie) Daley. He was a graduate of Liberty Center High School, class of 1954.
Bernard married Margaret Miller in 1960 and they later divorced. He married Maxie Murray (Milligan) on May 19th, 1989, and they recently celebrated 34 years together. Surviving to cherish his life and stories are the love of his life Maxie, daughters Pecconna (Patty) Bahr of Lexington, KY and Mindy (Chad) Murray McCarthy of Perrysburg, OH, and son Bernard (Hank) Daley Jr., North Baltimore, OH. Bernard is survived by brothers and sisters Howard (Brenda) Daley of Hardeeville, SC, and Rich (Karol) Daley of Stryker, OH, Sharon Donnett of Liberty Center, OH, Dorothy Snyder, Bluffton, SC, Judy (Herb) Biddle, Delta, OH, and many nieces and nephews. Sully, his beloved 2-year-old Morkie, will miss his lap and ear scratches tremendously.
He is also survived by 5 beloved grandchildren, Rex Babcock, Katie (Justin) Evans of Lexington, Ky; Ryan Bahr, also of Lexington, and Daley Lynn McCarthy and John Bernard McCarthy, of Perrysburg. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Craig, and son Andy Murray and ex-wife Margaret.
Bernie retired from Honeywell, formerly Allied Signal/Autolite, after 30+ years of service, and served as Union Representative. He was a social member of the AmVets and Moose Clubs in Fostoria, OH, and was a member of the Bowling Green Eagles, where he served as conductor for many years.
Bernie was known as a master woodworker, loved model trains and had an exceptional display he loved to show off, much to his grandkids’ delight. Along with Maxie, he restored a beautiful Victorian brick home and spent many years caring for the property. Together, they owned The Sleigh Shop, a woodworking craft business for almost 15 years. He enjoyed traveling, camping and cruising (16 altogether) and hosting Milligan’s Cousin’s Christmas on December 23rd, affectionately called Cousinmas. He was happiest spending time with family and friends, having a Miller Lite or glass of homemade wine, especially with the Crazy 8 (he and Maxie, and the Tyler’s, Klein’s and Schumaker’s). Most of all, Bernie loved spending time with his wife, several weeks wintering in Florida and Hilton Head visiting siblings, and teaching Daley and JB all the traditional PawPaw tricks, including “Who can hit the lightest, you go first,” shaking his fist and promising a “knuckle sandwich” when they were ornery, and how to make your biceps “dance.” He was an avid Notre Dame Fighting Irish fan, cheered any team his kids and grandkids played for, and loved having any reason to celebrate, notably St. Patrick’s Day and July 4th .
Our hearts already miss him immensely. He was tough, the past several weeks showed just how much, and he was a man of few words who softened into a grumpy and loving teddy bear with age. He was a devoted husband, father and PawPaw, and friend. He had a life well lived, and we wish we had much more time with him.
His life will be celebrated on Thursday, June 29th from 3-7pm at Harrold Floriana Funeral Home in Fostoria, OH. The funeral will be held Friday, June 30th at 11:00 a.m. with visitation one hour prior, also held at Har0rold Floriana. Burial will take place at Bradner Cemetery, Bradner, Ohio.
The family wishes to thank ProMedica Hospice for the exceptional care and support given to Bernie and the family, especially his nurse Eric. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to ProMedica Hospice or the Humane Society of Seneca County.
Online Condolences may be sent to the family at www.hffh.net.
