Roger Daly

Roger Stephen Daly, age 97, passed away peacefully on December 11, 2024, at the Hospice House in Hyde Park.

He was born on September 15, 1927 to Hazel Somerville and James Daly. Four brothers predeceased Roger; James, Donald, Robert and step-brother Bruce Scheibler.

In recent years, Roger lived in Red Hook, NY. Roger enjoyed a rich and varied life. He was an intelligent, cleverly perceptive man who consistently maintained a healthy lifestyle; always looking much younger than his years. Throughout his life, Roger fostered an entrepreneurial spirit. He was goal driven, often rising before dawn shepherding a sense of initiative. He would seek out new ideas, relationships, and opportunities, while also taking the time to stop to tell or listen to a funny story.

As a young man, Roger lived and worked for his favorite Aunt Eileen and her husband Bruce at The McClelland’s, a small, private, beautiful and unique convalescent home in Beacon, NY. It was here that Roger learned cooking, gardening, caregiving, acting, wood craft, classical literature, design, and animal husbandry. These skills would serve him well for the rest of his life. It was during this time that Roger began his first career, acting. It was at Cecilwood Theater (Summer stock) in Fishkill, NY where Roger appeared enjoying the craft and meeting famous people in the business. Later on, Roger moved to New York City, to hone his acting skills; taking a job as a companion caregiver to a couple living on Park Avenue; mixing with persons of substance.

After a time, Roger decided to move to California to further is career. Roger’s father, James, was a TV actor in LA, often appearing in the popular series “Dragnet”. Roger accepted a job around the area of LA as a chauffeur while pursuing acting within the film industry. Roger found though that he preferred live theater to film and would relocate to the East Coast in Sarasota, Florida, where he acted at the historic Player’s Theater. Later on, he decided to switch his career entirely, Roger opened a restaurant, “The Grill”, in Venice, Florida. Over the years Roger recounted many interesting and hilarious stories from this particular venture. He always had a great ability to make people smile or laugh with a great storyline or his dry sense of humor.

Eventually Roger relocated for the last time to the Hudson Valley in Dutchess County, NY. It was here that for many years his passion was realized; working with horses. He became an accomplished and devoted overseer of many horses for Enterprise Farm in Rhinebeck, NY. His connection, devotion and care of these horses was extraordinary; even inspirational to others in the business. He connected so deeply with them that in some circles he was known as the “Horse Whisperer”. In retirement, he called his own two horses, Dedalus and Buck, his “babies”.

As we remember Roger’s fascinating and fulfilled life, we might also think of the motto he lived by’ “Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy wealthy and wise” – Ben Franklin.

Roger’s family members include; Susan McClelland Boyce of Port Ewen, NY, Matthew and Aurora Daly of Torrington, CT, Michael Daly of Washington, D.C., Thomas Daly of Norfolk, CT., Bobbi and Tom Nelson (both deceased) and Family of CT., Paula and James Daly Jr. (deceased) and Family of Danielson, CT., Margie Scheibler of Gray’s Lake, IL., David and Joyce (recently deceased cousin) Thompson and family of Weston, CT., Charles and Adrienne (deceased cousin) Snelling and Family of Fogelsville, PA, and Lois Angeletti of Ashland, VA.

The family is deeply grateful to Roger’s dear, dear, special friends; like a second family, who showed uncommon support, love and kindness, especially at the end of Roger’s life. These people include, Susie Williams, Roger’s dearest lifelong friend, and the Porfirio and Mari Oroza family; especially Ricky, Roger’s godson who showed extraordinary care and love to Roger.

Roger is survived by extended family and many friends. Also, the family would like to show appreciation to the staff of the Hudson Valley Hospice House in Hyde Park. The place, the staff, and the care were exceptional in every way!

Donations many be made in Roger’s name to the Hudson Valley Hospice Foundation374 Violet Ave, Hyde Park, NY 12538 (earmarked for the Hospice House Hyde Park, NY).

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