William Burton Daily, 96, of Riverside Drive passed a way peacefully on August 6 at his home. Burton, affectionally known as “Spike” to close friends and family, was born on December 6, 1924 in Wellsville to the late Louis and Hazel Crowell Daily. On November 7, 1953 he married the former Joanne “Pidge” Christman, who predeceased him on December 17, 2019.
He was raised in Wellsville and graduated from Wellsville High School in 1942. Burton attended Alfred University for one semester before enlisting in the United States Navy. After completeing Quatermaster School, Burton was assigned to the PT Boats. At this time he tested for the military’s V12 program, passed and was sent to Yale University, where he graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Shortly after graduation, Burton joined Air Preheater and spent the next 40 years in their employ. He started out as a draftsman and retiring in 1988 as manager of customer service. He had served on the Wellsville School Board and was one of the founding members of L.O.P.E., Burton was currently the longest serving member (76 years) and Life Member of the Wellsville Elks Lodge No. 1495. He was also a Life Member of the Morrison Hayes Post 702, American Legion of Wellsville.
Survivors include his two daughters, Lynn Brunette of West Suffield, CT. and Beverly “Chris” [Jason] McChesney of Morgantown, WV.; five grandchildren, Paul, Peter, Catherine, Ben, and Sarah; several nieces and a nephew; and his beloved care givers.
In addition to his parents he was predecesed by his wife and an infant brother, Robert.
A memorial service for both Burton and Pidge is being planned and will be announced at a later date. Please consider memorial donations to either the Grace United Church or to the David A. Howe Library both of Wellsville. To leave online condolences please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.
