Senate Resolution No. 1584

BY: Senator TEDISCO

COMMENDING Donald J. Daley posthumously upon the
occasion of his designation as recipient of a
Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an
individual by the New York State Senate

WHEREAS, Members of the Armed Services from the State of New York,
who have served so valiantly and honorably in wars in which this
country's freedom was at stake, as well as in the preservation of peace
in peacetime, deserve a special salute from this esteemed Body; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to commend Donald J.
"Pup" Daley posthumously upon the occasion of his designation as
recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed upon an
individual by the New York State Senate; and

WHEREAS, The New York State Senate Liberty Medal was established by
Resolution and is awarded to individuals who have merited special
commendation for exceptional, heroic, or humanitarian acts on behalf of
their fellow New Yorkers; and

WHEREAS, Born on January 17, 1927 in Mechanicville, New York, Donald
J. Daley was raised by his parents, Ben and Catherine Witkop Daley; and

WHEREAS, Donald J. Daley attended the Mechanicville School District
before proudly serving his country in the United States Navy during
World War II; and

WHEREAS, As a Seabee in the United States Navy, Donald J. Daley
served in the Pacific Theatre, spending significant time in Okinawa,
Japan, and on Saipan and Tinian in the Northern Mariana Islands; and

WHEREAS, Following the war, Donald J. Daley returned home and began
what would become a nearly 40-year career at G.E. Silicone in Waterford,
New York; he retired in 1989; and

WHEREAS, On May 5, 1951, Donald J. Daley married the love of his
life, Dora; together they raised their children Donald Daley Jr., Tina
Pearl, Lois Celeste, and Maria Barr; and

WHEREAS, Active in his community, Donald J. Daley was a lifelong
member of American Legion Post 91, a member of the
Mechanicville-Stillwater Elks Lodge 1403 and a parishioner of All Saints
on the Hudson; and

WHEREAS, A standout athlete during his years at Mechanicville High
School, Donald J. Daley was honored in 2018 with induction into the
Mechanicville Hall of Fame; and

WHEREAS, Donald J. Daley enjoyed 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; and

WHEREAS, Donald J. Daley was an avid golfer, enjoyed traveling with
his beloved wife Dora, and loved the many backyard cookouts they hosted;
and

WHEREAS, After 74 years of devoted marriage to his loving wife Dora
Serbalik Daley, Donald J. Daley passed away peacefully on December 10,
2025; and

WHEREAS, Residents of this great State must never forget the courage
with which these men and women served their country, and must recognize
that no greater debt is owed than that owed to those who gave their
lives for their beloved Nation and to those who continue to be missing
in action; and

WHEREAS, Having exhibited his patriotism both at home and abroad,
Donald J. Daley demonstrated his love for his country and merits
forevermore the highest respect of his State and Nation; and

WHEREAS, Our Nation's veterans deserve to be recognized, commended
and thanked by the people of the State of New York for their service and
for their dedication to their communities, their State and their Nation;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Donald J. Daley posthumously upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of a Liberty Medal, the highest honor bestowed
upon an individual by the New York State Senate; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Donald J. Daley.