Marilynn K. Daly Leeds
Dear "Unca" John has left myriad memories to envelop us in big bear hugs as we remember how his eyes lit up and his face would crinkle into a great big smile just before his chuckle or big roar of laughter erupted. He was always an example to emulate: a genuinely good man, a devoted child of God.
Back when the first five Kortenber children (Roseann, Bill, Marcia, Marilou, and Bob) and their three Daly cousins (Marilynn, Marianne and Bart) had the run of the big brick Dowling house on Bell Avenue, when all the clan gathered, Uncle John seemed stern, but let a child skin a knee and he was a gentle giant. I often felt surprised, as the years passed, to realize that he wasn't nearly so big and tall as he'd appeared during my young years, yet still exuded the feel of a giant.
By the time the last three K's (Don, Gerry, and Cathy) were added, the family had moved into the next block into the house Uncle John and Aunt Mary had built for their growing family. Even though he'd mellowed dramatically, he was a tough taskmaster, insisting that the children carry on with their daily chores even though their cousins were visiting. Prayer, responsibilities and exercise were daily priorities, right up there with eating and sleeping. He refused to accept an excuse for anything less than maximum effort, and if your best wasn't good enough, you'd better improve! Case closed!
We Dalys didn't get a pass just because we weren't his kids. You met his standards or you didn't get to participate in the group fun times, but had to sit quietly and watch. Mama D (Aunt Mary's mother, Mae Daly) would back him up if we hadn't passed inspection, saying, "Children should be seen, and not heard." And, of course, there was always the worry that if we didn't behave, Shingledecker might come take us to jail! What a motivation! Summer months required really being on our toes because we all wanted to earn the privilege of swimming in the pool under his watchful eye. His and Aunt Mary's high expectations resulted in family we're so proud to acknowledge!
Many times during my adult years I've called Uncle John with questions about my beloved pets, life, God, or whatever was confronting me. He always gave good advice and an encouraging word. How I shall miss him!
Widowed twice, Uncle John was shattered by the unexpected accident which claimed Aunt Mary, and flattened by the debilitating illness that slowly took his second wife, Marie (Schuckel), but his daily dedication to visit, coupled with his unflagging faith in God exemplified the true goodness of this child of God. His daily life was a lesson in devotion.
No one who's ever been around Uncle John could forget his wicked sense of humor and keen, rapid-fire wit. Having married into a 100% Irish family, Uncle John enjoyed the twist of being a German leprechaun when St. Paddy's day approached each year. We all tried to outdo each other with outrageous St. Patrick's cards and jokes. He even sent our father, his brother-in-law, a St. Patrick's teddy bear in Dad's last year, 2007.
Uncle John and Aunt Mary were always there, as were our parents, Bart and Mary K. Daly, through the joyful moments as well as through the storms of all our lives. They taught the eleven of us by their examples and we can only hope and pray that we've done as well with our own children.
With his death, an era has passed, but I'll always cherish the memories of "Unca" John, our own gentle giant. Our prayers and warm thoughts go with you, Dear Cousins, in adapting to his absence. May God bless the souls of those we love and bring us solace.