Service Details
A memorial service will be held at Ocala West United Methodist Church in Ocala, FL on January 8th at 4pm. His remains will be transported to the Adirondack Park in NY to be spread in early spring. A memorial service for his friends and family will also be held in the summer of 2016 in Saranac Lake, NY (details will be released shortly)
Funeral Company
Ocala West United Methodist Church
The Story
In life there are two kinds of people. some who come and go in our lives unnoticed. And then there are the very precious few who touch our lives and we are forever blessed. Ross Tallman Dailey, our kind, compassionate gentle husband, father and devoted grandfather blessed our lives forever. He passed quietly in his sleep on January 4 in Ocala, Florida. He is survived by his wife, Karen Dailey, son, Ryan Tallman Dailey (wife Melissa) and his oh so special three grandchildren, Tallman, Adalyn and Eli. He also is survived by his two sisters, Pamela Hillebrand (husband Robert) of Ocala, Florida and Diane Dailey of Los Angeles, California.
Ross was born June 18, 1936 in Tappan, New York. He graduated from Albany State Teachers’ College with a BS and MS. He received his Phd from Michigan State University in 1972. He was the Business Department Chairman at West Babylon High School on Long Island, New York for more than twenty years.
He moved with his family to Saranac Lake, New York and began a fifteen year employment with North Country Community College. His positions were Associate Professor, Acting Dean of Students, Chair of the Business, Recreation and Human Services Division. He was a respected colleague, sensitive leader and model educator.
In 1993, Ross was granted a sabbatical to be a Visiting Professor in the Graduate School of Education at his alma mater Michigan State University in East Lansing, Miching. He was joined by his son, Ryan, for a unique experience both of them shared creating great memories and growing closer together as father and son. Karen and the family pet, Chelsey, remained in Saranac Lake as Karen was employed at TLCSD math educator.
Ross retired from NCCC in 1996. He continued a fifteen year career as a US Soccer Official throughout the North Country. His love of officiating brought him great joy. Many times parents could be heard saying, “Ross is the gentlest official on the field. When my daughter commits a foul, Ross always made it a teachable moment.” Imagine if all youth could experience such kindness and learning.
Ross was the Director of the FHA at Kiwassa Road. When he left there, residents knew they were losing a uniquely compassionate leader for all.
Ross was a thirty six year member of the Saranac Lake United Methodist Church. He was the resident photographer for the church annual Turkey Supper. So many memories of our church community effort.
He so dearly appreciated all of the friends he made in the Tri-Lakes. If you are reading this and were fortunate enough to spend time with him, please know he enjoyed every conversation with you. He found much joy in his life by being able to touch others lives through his compassion and gentleness. He was as humble a man as they come and we are grateful to be touched by his kindness.
Two celebrations of Ross’ life will be held. The first will be in Ocala at Ocala West United Methodist Church on Friday, January 8th at 4:00 pm followed by a small buffet. The second celebration and buffet will be held in Saranac Lake at the United Methodist Church in the summer of 2016, followed by the spreading of his ashes.
Those wishing to remember Ross may make a donation in his name to the Tri-Lakes Humane Society in Saranac Lake, NY or send flowers for the service on Friday at Ocala West United Methodist Church in Ocala, FL. His twelve year old ever loyal Border Collie, Buddy, survives.
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Mike and I were so sorry to hear about Ross He was a wonderful man and friend The last time we seen Ross was October 2015 and we told him we were moving away to Florida. We would of loved to come to the service last January but we had heard about it after . Perhaps we can get
Gayle Vascukynastogether some time since we moved to Crystal River Our thoughts and prayers are with you and
your family at this time Ross will be greatly missed
Gayle and Mike Vascukynas
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