Saratoga County honors World War II Seabee Donald “Pup” Daly at March ceremony

Saratoga County officials and representatives from state and federal offices gathered in March 2026 to honor Donald J. “Pup” Daly, a Mechanicsville native and U.S. Navy Seabee who served in the Pacific during World War II.

Frank McClemon, director of the Saratoga County Veterans Service Agency, opened the monthly Honorably Deceased Veterans ceremony and delivered a biographical summary of Daly’s life and service, saying the county’s program "is the highest honor our Saratoga County Board of Supervisors bestows upon a veteran." McClemon said Daly was born Jan. 17, 1927, entered the Navy on Jan. 9, 1945, trained at the Naval Construction Training Center in Davisville, R.I., and served with Naval Construction (Seabee) units in the Pacific.

Honorary chaplain Paul O'Keefe offered an invocation and a personal tribute for Daly, recalling Daly’s community ties and anecdotes from his years in Mechanicsville. "May we carry his spirit with us in our daily lives, striving to live with the same dedication and honor that Pup exemplified," O'Keefe said.

Supervisor Tom Richardson read a proclamation prepared by Mayor Michael Butler that summarized Daly’s military record and post-service contributions, including a 40-year career at GE Silicones and longtime membership in American Legion Post 91. Supervisor Phil Barrett, chairman of the Board of Supervisors, offered remarks thanking Daly’s family and noting Daly’s local legacy as an athlete and community member.

Representatives from county and state offices presented certificates and medals. Deputy County Clerk Charles Fazier read a message from County Clerk Craig Kaner. Saratoga County District Attorney Brett Eby presented a certificate of appreciation. Amy Madden, representing Assemblywoman Marybeth Walsh, offered a statement from the New York State Assembly. Ryan Agwam, district director for Sen. Jim Tedisco, presented the New York State Liberty Medal on the senator’s behalf and underscored the Seabees’ logistics role in World War II, saying, "The CBs are incredibly important." Monica Lahey, representing Congressman Paul Tonko, told the family that a flag had been flown over the U.S. Capitol bearing Daly’s name and presented the flag on the congressman’s behalf.

Supervisor Murray presented the Saratoga County World War II veterans medal and county citation recognizing Daly’s service; Chairman Barrett’s office was listed on the county citation. County staff and partners — including the county historian’s office — were thanked for organizing the ceremony and for a display honoring Daly that will be available at the county historian’s office.

The indoor portion concluded with a rendition of "Amazing Grace" (noted as Chris Gambati’s arrangement). McClemon asked the family to remain for photographs and directed attendees to move outside for a flag raising and rifle salute to close the ceremony.

The county livestreamed the ceremony and a display about Daly will be available for public viewing at the county historian’s office as part of ongoing Saratoga250 commemorations.