Daly, Claude R.

Rev. Claude R. Daly, S.J., departed this life on Friday, June 19, 2009 at Our Lady of Wisdom Health Care Center. He was 93 years old, a Jesuit for 77 years and a priest for 66 years.

A native of Austin, TX, Father Daly was born on June 18, 1916. He entered the Jesuits in 1931 after completing St. John High School in Shreveport, LA in 1930. He received at M. A. degree in Philosophy from St. Louis University in 1937 and a S.T.L. degree in Theology from St. Mary’s University in St. Mary’s, KS in 1944. He was ordained at St. Mary’s in 1943. Those who studied with him will recall his ability to put the subtleties of theology to the memorable form of popular songs.

Claude loved Sri Lanka. Following his first assignment of teaching at St. John’s High School, 1945-46, in Shreveport, he was missioned to Sri Lanka. From 1946-47 he taught Language studies in Kalmunai; 1947-1953 he was principal of St. Joseph School in Trincomalee; Prefect of Discipline at St. Michael School in Batticaloa; parish priest in Sorikalunai; and mission consultor of Trincomalee. From 1976-1983 he worked as Socius, then as Vice Provincial and Provincial in the Sri Lanka Province. He then worked as Pastor in and around Trincomalee before returning to the Province office as Secretary/Socius, 1986-1991. His last assignment was at St. Sebastian Church, Batticaloa from 1991-2002. In 2002 he returned for his home visit and then was missioned to pray for the Church and Society.

Father Daly is preceded in death by his parents, Mary and Mark Daly, and by one brother, John Daly. He
is survived by his sisters Sr. Mary of St. Claude, RGS, Mrs. Mary Jepson, Mrs. Madeline Guillot,
Catherine Daly and Mrs. Patricia Taylor; brothers George Daly and Mark Daly, Jr.