Thelma R. Dailey

Thelma R. Dailey, widow of retired Syracuse University assistant football coach Ted Dailey, passed away July 30, 2019 at her residence in Jamesville, NY. She was 98.

She was born in Frederick, PA to LeRoy and Minnie Richard in 1920, and grew up in Pottstown, PA. Thelma was awarded a Bachelors of Music Education from Westchester State Teachers’ College and a Masters of Music Education from Pennsylvania State University. During the 1940s, 1950s, and early 1960s, she was prolific as a music educator, choir director, and church organist in Southeast Pennsylvania and suburban Philadelphia. Many of her choirs were recognized for their excellence at the state level. Thelma’s impact on her students was reflected in her induction to the Springfield (PA) High School Arts Hall of Fame in 2018.

She married Ted Dailey, who coached with Ben Schwartzwalder at Syracuse from 1948 until 1973, in March 1964, forgoing her successful career in music education. From 1964 to 1985, Thelma was a common appearance in the Fayetteville-Manlius (NY) School District as a substitute teacher.

Thelma is survived by a niece, Carol Walker (Ron) and grand-nephew Mark Walker (Jodie) of Maryland; a stepdaughter, Nancy Dailey Korzelius of Oklahoma; and a step-son, Lt Col. Theodore E. Dailey, Jr., USMC, Retired, (Joan) of Virginia; and their extended families.

A graveside service will take place on August 24, 2019, at 11:00 a.m. at Highland Memorial Park, 701 Farmington Ave., Pottstown, PA 19464. Houck & Gofus Funeral Home, Inc., will be handling the arrangements. Online condolences may be made to the family at www. houckgofusfuneralhome.com.