David Dailey

David Wilson Dailey was born on February 16th, 1953, in Chillicothe, Ohio. He was a wonderful surprise to his parents, Lyle and Dorothy Dailey (Wilson). He was cherished by his siblings Gwyneth Meeker (Dailey) and James Dailey…who were 16 and 12 years older than he was. He was born with a lot of tenacity and independence. From an early age, Dave’s dynamic personality stood out.

Dave left us too soon on June 6th, 2026. It’s hard to measure someone’s dash 1953 – 2026, but Dave knew how to live and love life to the fullest. His motto was “Work Hard, Play Hard”. Truly, that’s exactly what he did. He had so many things he loved to do and when he decided he was going to do it, he did it. From an early age, he had a knack for building anything and everything; mechanical, construction and everything in between. Who else do you know that said…"I don’t want to drive back and forth 4 hours each trip from Oscoda to Monroe, so I’m going to get my pilot’s license." Which he did. He was a thrill seeker and pushed the limits on anything that had an engine. Dave’s careers followed his passions. He started working building JC Penney stores throughout the Midwest and East Coast. He then found himself working at Ford Motor Company, Light and Heavy Truck Experimental Division, alongside some of his favorite people. He then made his move to Oscoda, Mi, where he shared his knowledge of construction and building at the Oscoda Home Center.

He wasn’t just a Dad to his children; Jessica and David, he was everyone’s Dad. He was very much involved in every aspect of our childhood: a Campfire Dad, a Dance Dad, a Little League Coach, just to name a few. Any interest we had, he gave us the tools to master them. He gave us the love for camping and being on the water. He gave us the love of sports. Even though we are U of M fans, he would always say, “You know you are half Buckeye, right?” We had all the “toys” so to speak. He always gave us experiences - whether in travel or just exploring at home. Once he became a grandfather those experiences were passed down, and nothing was more important than spending time with his Grandkids.

His love for all his family was unwavering. He was there for everyone’s milestones - it didn’t matter how far away they were. It was just in his character to love unconditionally and share in everyone’s triumphs and heartbreak.

Dave is survived by his wife and favorite person, Patricia Dailey, they married on August 25th, 1990. They made their way permanently to Oscoda, Michigan in 1993. They loved to travel and made so many memorable trips. They made countless scuba diving excursions. They shared a mutual love for motorcycle rides and traveled to so many places together. In Oscoda, they built a mutual love for each other, their community and surrounding areas.

Dave was Township of Greenbush Clerk, Township Representative for Cedar Lake Improvement Board and Township Representative for OWA, Oscoda, MI. He was also a volunteer for the Greenbush Fire Department. Other organizations that he was proud of were being; The Grand Representative of Colorado in Michigan for OES 2023-2025, Grand Chaplain, Morrow-Casey Grand Family, OES of Michigan, Member and Worthy Patron several times, Lincoln Chapter 184 and Member of Alcona Lodge 292, raised to Master Mason 3rd degree 2019.

To carry on his legacy are his Children; Jessica M. Bacarella (Dailey), David W. Dailey II and his wife Merry (Hart) Dailey, two Grandchildren; Mackenzie T. Bacarella and Cooper W. Dailey.

His Chillicothe, Ohio Family; His brother Jim Dailey, his best friend since childhood Dave “Sput” Spetenagel, Debbie Bennett, Maggie and Chris Smalley, Dottie and Josie McCoy, Bill Dailey, Jake Dailey and Family, Chelsie Hedrick and Family, Kimmie McCoy and Family, Katie McCoy and Family, Jason Bennett, Andrew Bennett and Family, Sarah Fisher and Family, Bob Meeker and Family, Greg Meeker, Aaron Meeker, Emmalee Richards and Family.

His Oscoda, Michigan Family; Frank & Lois Klein and Family, Tom and Dawn O’Reilly, Steve and Cheryl Franks, Frank Doherty and Family, Tim Gallton and Family, Donny and Bethany Bissonette, Merry Loyer and Family, Mike Fullerton and Family, Tony Priebe and Family.

Additional Family: Matthew, Ellen and Phil Miller, Chris Miller, Joni S. Brow, Art and Lyn Richardson, Tom Bacarella, Ike and Lynn Owens, Allison Brennan and Family.Special Mentions: Greenbush Fire Department, Eastern Stars and Masons.

And to all of you who considered him a friend, if your name isn’t mentioned, please know his circle of friendships were vast. Our family would also like to thank our Hospice Team. Your support and grace kept us together.

To know him, was to love him. To honor his memory, please pay his generosity forward. Dave’s compassion and his willingness to help others without anything in return is a decency this world needs more of.

In lieu of flowers; please consider making donations in his name to a Charity of your choice.

A Celebration of Life will be held August 15th, 2026.