Thomas F. Dailey, R.R.T.

Thomas F. Dailey, R.R.T., affectionately known as "Tom," passed away peacefully on February 1, 2025. He was preceded in death by his beloved high school sweetheart, Virginia Seal, who passed in December 2020. Together, they shared a beautiful 59-year marriage and raised five children.

Tom was born to Florence and Ace Leroy Dailey. A generous, family-oriented, and fun-loving man, Tom cherished every moment spent with his family and friends. His love for life and unwavering devotion to family were gifts he shared with all who knew him.

A 1961 graduate of West Scranton High School, Tom served as Vice President of his senior class. In his late 20s, after having four children, he seized the opportunity to attend respiratory therapy school through the federal Manpower Development Training Act. He graduated from St. Joseph's School for Respiratory Therapy in 1969.

Entering a pioneering field of medicine, Tom received competitive job offers nationwide but chose to join Mercy Hospital. With relentless dedication, he built the hospital's respiratory therapy department from the ground up and earned the respect of physicians. As one of the first registered respiratory therapists in the U.S., his national registry number was 715. In 1971, he was appointed to the Board of Oral Examiners.

Tom was part of the first teams involved in cardiac catheterization and open-heart surgery at Mercy Hospital. In 1970, he founded Dailey Resources LTD, a successful business that has thrived for 54 years. His proudest professional achievement came when Senator John Heinz appointed him to the board of the Small Business Development Center, part of the SBA, where he was one of only nine individuals nationwide to receive such an honor.

A dedicated community member, Tom served on numerous local boards. He was immensely proud of his children's achievements and devoted himself to their happiness and success. Tom had a passion for golf and was a 40-year member of the Scranton Country Club.

In addition to his wife, Virginia, and son Glenn, Tom was preceded in death by his siblings William, Robert, Barbara, Lois and Leroy. He is survived by his sister Margaret Voytek and husband Stephen and Marion Dailey and his children: Timothy and wife Ellen, Melissa, Jennifer, and Matthew and wife Nadia. He leaves behind 11 cherished grandchildren: Cassidy, Lindsey, Alexandra, Kaylee, Thomas, Lauren, Shane, Victoria, Julia, Jake, and Matthew; and ten great-grandchildren.

His memory will forever be a testament to love, faith, and dedication to family and community.

Funeral services will be held Friday at 11am in the St. Peter's Lutheran Church 1000 Taylor Ave. Scranton by Rev. David Searing, pastor.

Friends may call Friday from 10am until time of service.

Interment, private at the convenience of the family