Ross Dailey

Born: Tappan, NY on 18 June 1936

Passed away: Ocala, FL on 04 January 2016

Aged: 79 years

Funeral Date: 08 January 2016

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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
together 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

Gayle Vascukynas

Reply

Words cannot express the sadness and sorrow I feel over the loss of Mr. Dailey (Ross). He was, by far, one of the most kind and wise men I have ever known. Many of his teachings and words of wisdom stick with me today. These are the types of teachings I will pass on to my daughter for years to come. I too received the "dead fish" handshake lesson that Anna received. Mr. Dailey emphasized the importance of eye contact when greeting people as well. Mr. Dailey was one of the first people to welcome my family and I to the church family. He was the reason why I became involved in the church and why my father is now involved so much as the lay leader of the church. Mr. Dailey taught us the importance of being involved both in the church service as well as other events the church did, like the annual turkey supper. I will always remember how genuinely happy Mr. Dailey was whenever I accomplished something big. Whether it was earning Eagle in scouts or making it to states in cross country, he was always sure to congratulate me the first chance he got. He was always following my athletic career. It didn't matter if it was cross country, track or lacrosse, he always wanted to know how I was doing. He would even make appearances at my games/meets to cheer on both myself and my teammates. I received a countless number of newspaper clippings from him throughout my various sports seasons. Any article that had my results or made mention of me, Mr. Dailey was sure to cut out and give to me. He truly was a saint and he will be missed dearly by all of us who knew him. My heart, thoughts, and prayers are with you all.

David Kelting

Reply

David, Your words absolutely captured the essence of who Ross was, is and always will be. What a wonderful tribute to my husband. He loved you, Anna and Emilee so very much. Yes, he was a natural born educator at his very core. Patience, attention to detail, willingness to spend all the time needed to help young people learn the basics of whatever skill he was teaching. Ryan and I so appreciate your gracious reflections of our very gentle giant. How special for us that you will be teaching some of Ross' lessons to your daughter. Thank you, David.

His Family

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I am shocked and saddened to see that Mr. Dailey has passed away. His kindness always stood out to me, even though I was just a kid/annoying teenager and he was friends with my parents. He was still kind and engaging with me and made me feel as though my thoughts were important, even as a young person. I cannot imagine the impacts that he has made else-ware, since I know how he made me feel for the flicker of a moment that I knew him. It is regretful that I did not get the opportunity to know him more than for a few moments. I wish I was able to come to the service today, as I live outside of Orlando, but I did not have enough time to plan to come. My thoughts and prayers are there, may the Lord God bring peace to your hearts. Thank you for sharing him with us.

Krissa Stiger (Soisson)

Reply

I feel truly privileged to have known Mr. Dailey. I cannot begin to describe how positively his kindness and humor affected our neighborhood on Lake Street and our church family. I will always remember the important life lessons he shared during coffee hour at church, like how to properly greet someone with a handshake (“dead fish” is not acceptable). Talking with him was one of the best parts of going to church. When Mr. and Mrs. Dailey went on trips, I got to hang out with Buddy and water the plants. I remember he told me to make sure to use “luke warm water for the plants, because we don’t want to surprise them with water that is too cold”. He put so much care into everything, and always made us smile. He is one of the most amazing people I will ever know. Thank you to the Dailey’s for being such a wonderful part of Saranac Lake. My heart, thoughts, and prayers are with you.

Anna Kelting

Reply

Anna, thank you for the note. I have never met you but my dad spoke of you and your family often. It brings me joy to know that he had that much of an impact on you. Thank you. Ryan

His Family

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Anna, we so appreciate your wonderful reflections on Ross. He loved encouraging you, sharing with you and knowing how your life was unfolding. And we know how special you were to him. Imagine if everyone treated each other the way Ross did. Mrs. Dailey

His Family

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Ryan, I'll always remember the warmth your dad showed me after I lost my own father. He was a gracious man who always took time to pass along some advice, even while refereeing a game. I'm sure his fatherly wisdom has been passed along to you and will live on for many years through your children. I'm very sorry for your loss, and I hope all else is well with your family. Best, Kirk

kirk sullivan

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Thank you Kirk for taking the time to write this. It brings me to joy to know he touched your life in the way he did. I had no idea he did this for you.

His Family

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Ryan I am so sorry to hear of your father's passing. We obviously played a ton of sports together growing up, and I can always remember your dad at every game cheering us on. I have found memories of playing basketball in your driveway, practicing our Kiki Vanderweigh crazy shots...with more shots hitting the side of your house than the actual backboard. Your father didn't care...just sat there and laughed at us as we had fun. My thoughts and prayers to your entire family as you work through this difficult time. He was a great man, and will truly be missed.

Jim Daunais

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Thank you Jim for taking the time to write this, I greatly appreciate it. Those were fun times, I had forgotten those moments until you reminded me.

His Family

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Karen, Ryan and family, there aren't words to express our sorrow on the loss of Ross. He was truly a friend to all. He made us laugh and shared our joys and he cared deeply for his friends and was always ready to give. I remember one day looking our the window and seeing Ross sweeping the samd out of our driveway - when I went outside, he told me he heard the street sweeper coming an noticed we had not done that yet, so he came over with his broom. When I offered to help him since Mitchel was working, he said "On no, I enjoy helping!" We cherished his friendship and our thoughts and prayers are with you all. May your wonderful memories sustain you and keep his love for you all as a light in your lives. Love, Cindy and Mitchel

Cindy and Mitchel Smith

Reply

Cindy and Mitchel,Thank you for sharing this special story. Mom and I did not know he did this but am happy to hear he did. Thank you for taking the time to brighten our day.

His Family

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His Family shared a video.

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