Thomas Joseph Daley, 86, born in Fall River, son of the late  Joseph and Emma (Christopher) Daley, went to his heavenly reward after a brief illness. He was predeceased by the love of his life, Beverly J. Daley.

He leaves behind four children, Linda Ward of Port St. Lucie, Fla., Stephen T. Daley of Harrisville, RI, Nancy Smart and her husband Ken of Nottingham, NH, and Sharon Riendeau of Westport. He leaves behind 11 grandchildren, Kerri, Alan and John Foster, Stephen and Jeffrey Daley, Ken Smart Jr., Sarah McGill, Rose Smart, Cassandra and Rachel Gath and William Riendeau. He also had seven great-grandchildren. He leaves behind his sister Beverly Medeiros of Georgia, and was predeceased by two brothers and a sister.

He retired from the Providence Journal after more than 30 years. While he always considered himself a Marine, having served in Korea, he retired from the Corps after attaining the rank of Regimental Sergeant Major.

He lived a life of service and led by example. He and Beverly started their retirement by serving in Homestead, Florida, rebuilding after hurricane Andrew. He then organized a blitz build for Habitat for Humanity and dedicated years to that organization. He and Bev were instrumental in starting The Mustard Seed ministry in Florida. He served for many years as president of the board of directors of La Buona Vita, guiding them through the process of becoming a resident-owned community. He served on many committees and as lay-leader at his church and will be missed by his men's prayer group.

He had a beautiful tenor voice that he used to serve his church choirs and taught the love of singing to his family through many sing-alongs around a campfire. His children, grands and great-grands will always remember what a great and honest cribbage player he was, achieving a near perfect hand of 28.

Most importantly he gave his family the gift of a great Faith. The loss they feel is compensated by the knowledge that he is dancing with his beloved wife of more than 62 years and will be united with his loved ones in heaven.

Memorial service under the direction of the Potter Funeral Home, to which relatives and friends are invited, will be Friday, January 5, at the Westport Point United Methodist Church, 1912 Main Road., Westport Point, at 12 p.m. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. at the church prior to the service.

Interment will be in Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne, Mass., at 2:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, Gift Processing Administrator, 18251 Quantico Gateway Dr., Triangle, VA 22172, or Habitat for Humanity International, 121 Habitat St., Americus, GA 31709.

To sign the on-line guest book, please visit www.potterfuneralservice.com.