John James (Jack) Daley III passed away, surrounded by family, on June 11, 2026, after a rich and rewarding life. A kind, selfless, hardworking, and deeply spiritual man, Jack was devoted to his family and known for his caring, generous nature. He treated everyone with warmth and respect, enjoyed conversation with people from all walks of life, and took a sincere interest in the lives and well-being of others, saying “Being kind to others doesn’t cost you anything.”

Jack married the love of his life, Mary Elizabeth “Betsy” O’Donnell Daley, and together they shared 63 happy and adventure-filled years until her passing in 2024. They loved to travel and created countless cherished memories, from summers at their beloved vacation home in Rye Beach, New Hampshire, to annual trips to Ireland and Treasure Island, Florida. They also enjoyed family adventures in Antibes, France, and London and, more recently, a memorable cruise to the Caribbean and through the Panama Canal.

While travel and family gatherings brought them great joy, what Jack and Betsy treasured most was simply being together. They were true partners, building a beautiful life founded on love, mutual respect, and devotion to their family and each other.

Born on December 2, 1936, in Lawrence, MA, Jack was the eldest son of John J. Daley Jr. and Louise (Queck) Daley. An outstanding student and athlete, he graduated from Central Catholic High School, where he earned three varsity letters, and later from Merrimack College. While at Merrimack, he participated in the Marine Corps ROTC program and subsequently served as an Army reservist. He later earned a Master’s degree from Southern Connecticut State College.

A lifelong student of history and politics, Jack served as President of Merrimack College’s Young Democrats organization and participated in numerous service activities. His experiences as a Washington DC Congressional intern—including a memorable meeting with then-Senator John F. Kennedy—inspired him to dedicate his career to informing others and strengthening their communities. An eloquent writer wanting to be at the forefront of important events and ideas, he embarked on a distinguished career in journalism.

After college, Jack moved to New Haven to become a town reporter for the New Haven Register/Journal-Courier, covering several communities, including Hamden. In April 1961, he was assigned to photograph a newly appointed Hamden visiting nurse for a newspaper feature. That nurse was Betsy O’Donnell—a vivacious young registered nurse with auburn hair and sparkling blue eyes. Jack was smitten, and a few months later, they were married.

Jack continued his work as a reporter for many years, covering some of the most significant events of the 1960s, including civil rights marches, student protests, and the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago. A supporter of civil rights, Jack attended a speech given by The Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. and proudly met and shook hands with him.

He later served as Director of Public Relations for Griffin Hospital and the National Association For Settlement Houses in New York City. He also developed and directed a successful Community Services program for the Town of North Haven.

Later in his career, Jack devoted himself to higher education and community service, serving as Director of Development at the University of Bridgeport and Boys & Girls Village in Milford and, later, in development and public relations roles at Sacred Heart University. His love of journalism, however, never faded, and for many years he was the editor of the widely admired and enjoyed Sunday Book Review section of the Waterbury Republican-American.

A voracious reader, Jack was always ready to recommend an author or a book. Family and friends were continually amazed by his ability to recall, in remarkable detail, the plots, characters, and themes of the thousands of books he read throughout his lifetime.

Jack loved sports and followed the Boston Celtics, as well as UConn basketball and his beloved Merrimack College teams. He was a devoted Red Sox fan, a passion he proudly passed on to his children and grandchildren. In recent years, he followed the team faithfully and, ever the optimist, never allowed a disappointing season to diminish his enthusiasm or loyalty.

Jack leaves behind his beloved daughter, Elizabeth Draghi (Gary), and son, John J. Daley IV (Danielle). He was predeceased by his daughter, Kathleen Daley. He was the proud grandfather of seven grandchildren: Thomas Ward (Julie), Isabella Draghi, Carolina Draghi, Gianna Draghi, John J. (Jack) Daley V, Lily Daley, and Hannah Daley Holder (Zach), as well as three great-grandsons.

Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, June 18 from 9:00 - 10:30 am at the Hamden Memorial Funeral Home at 1300 Dixwell Avenue, Hamden, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Rita Church, 1620 Whitney Avenue, Hamden. Burial will follow at St. Lawrence Cemetery in West Haven. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jack’s memory may be made to St. Rita School, 1601 Whitney Avenue, Hamden, CT 06517or to The Connecticut Hospice. Condolences may be expressed at hamdenmemorialfuneralhome.com