LtCol Patrick Joseph “LeeRoy” Daly
June 28, 1984 - August 14, 2025
Lieutenant Colonel Patrick Joseph “LeeRoy” Daly, USMC (Ret.) — a cherished and beloved husband, father, son, brother, uncle, Marine, and friend—was called to God unexpectedly on August 14th, 2025. He was 41 years old.
Pat was born June 28, 1984, in Boston, Massachusetts. In a pattern that would prove to fit Pat’s future lifestyle, he moved frequently with his family to happy homes in Massachusetts, Colorado, Florida, Connecticut, and finally Vermont, where he graduated from South Burlington High School in 2002. A fitness enthusiast, Pat discovered his love of hockey, martial arts, track and field, and became a beloved member of the high school hockey, soccer, and track teams. He continued playing hockey throughout his life, including the Annual Armed Services Hockey Association tournament in Las Vegas where his team “The Kids” won multiple championships. Pat nurtured in his siblings a love of hockey in backyard rinks and youth leagues in Vermont, and he supported them throughout their own hockey careers. He wore #4 in honor of his brother Mike.
The 9/11 attacks came in Pat’s senior year of high school, and with all the honor, integrity, leadership, and fortitude that was Pat, he stepped up to serve his country and accepted a Naval Reserves Officer Training Corps (NROTC) college scholarship. Pat graduated from Boston University—where he also ran on the BU track team—and was commissioned into the United States Marine Corps in 2006. Feeling the call of the open skies and the ever-present desire for adrenaline, Pat pursued Marine Aviation, one of the most competitive professions in the US military. Pat earned his “wings of gold” and became a fighter pilot in the F/A-18 fighter aircraft, eventually achieving the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. His 20-year military career included 12 years of active duty, including two deployments to Iwakuni, Japan and service at USMC aviation bases including Pensacola, FL, Miramar, CA, and Beaufort, SC with Marine Fighter Attack Squadrons 101, 224, and 323.
In 2018, Pat transitioned from active-duty service to the US Marine Corps Aviation Reserve, where, as a flight instructor, he instilled his knowledge and excellence in the next generation of fighter pilots. His last flight in the F/A-18 Legacy Hornet was Sunday August 10th, 2025. Also in 2018, Pat joined Delta Air Lines as a commercial pilot. He loved the lifestyle and cherished his time with the Delta Family, a circle of friends he came to love. Pat was a leader of the Delta Air Lines Ski and Snowboard Club and competed multiple years in the Annual International Airlines Ski Races in Austria and Switzerland.
Pat settled in the beautiful mountains of Utah, where he learned how to paraglide, speed-fly, and speed-ride with pilot friends. Pat fell in love with the extreme sport of speed-riding in Val-d’Isère, France. His last elite heli-speed-ride experience was in April 2025, in Alaska, atop one of the most beautiful and remote mountains in the world. Pat felt the most alive and at peace in the mountains.
In 2019 Pat serendipitously reconnected with a former naval aviator, Kayla Tawoda, who was destined to become the love of his life 12 years after they met in Flight School. Pat and Kayla dated from 2019 until 2023. They fell in love in one of Pat’s favorite places to ski and fly, Chamonix, France where they later got engaged on top of the famous mountain peak the “Aiguille du Midi” of Mont Blanc in the French Alps January 2nd 2023.
Pat and Kayla got married in a beautiful, intimate autumn ceremony in Park City, Utah on October 7th, 2023. Pat and Kayla had a once-in-a-lifetime kind of love story, filled with magic, synchronicity, and compassion. Pat loved her dearly and his Spirit will live on in her always. Kayla’s love for Pat—along with their two pugs and their daughter, Cherish Amara (who left this world July 30th, 2025) — was as immense as the Universe. Kayla always knew and felt a sacred bond with Pat and his special connection with the world around him.
It is impossible to put into words what Pat meant to his family, friends, and fellow Marines. His parents feel eternally blessed for bringing a precious son into the world who grew into a man of faith, honor, and integrity who loved his family fiercely and became loved and respected by so many whose lives he touched. His siblings consider him the essence of a role model, the most remarkable man who never started something he didn’t finish and set the bar high in every aspect of his life while inspiring, nurturing, and supporting his family with his unique mixture of equal parts fun and discipline.
Pat also became a treasured uncle to his two beloved nieces who immediately fell in love with his calming and unflappable demeanor. His friends from the Marine Corps, flying, and hockey communities describe Pat as “a brother in every sense of the term.” One described Pat as an “absolute natural and professional in the Jet or under his Wing.” Pat was a free spirit who loved soaring through the sky, hiking mountain peaks, and leading others with boldness and grace, and was the dependable rock who would leave at the drop of a hat and travel to be there for his loved ones in their times of distress and loss. We know he is still doing the same now. Pat was a deeply spiritual man who believed that Christ’s Holy Spirit was guiding him, and he encouraged others to “trust, and always follow the love.” While he was taken from earth in Divine Timing, his Spirit lives on like a jet soaring over mountain peaks through the sky, ascending into the clouds and chasing the sunset. Pat will be with us forever, and we are eternally grateful for the years we were able to share with him.
Pat is survived by his wife Kayla Tawoda (Daly), parents Terrence and Theresa Daly, sister and brother-in-law Kelley and Nicholas Schwarz and their daughter Madeline, brother and sister-in-law Michael and Lida Daly and their daughter Lily, father-in-law and mother-in-law Tom and Anne Carol Tawoda, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Tommy and Kat Tawoda, and many aunts, uncles and cousins.
A celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, August 26 from 6:00 PM until 9:00 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City, UT. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, August 27 at 12:00 Noon at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 300 East 11800 South, Draper, UT. Committal Rite with military honors and flyover will follow at the Utah Veteran’s Memorial Park, 17111 South Camp Williams Road, Bluffdale. The funeral mass may be viewed live by clicking the Watch Service button above.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Wingman Foundation (https://www.wingmanfoundation.org/).
In Loving Memory
Dear Kelley and Family, Words simply can’t express our condolences during this unimaginably difficult time. Our hearts and prayers are with each and every one of you. We love you and are here for you.
Theresa, Terry, Mike, Kelley, Kayla and families, We're so very sorry for the loss of a young, loving man in your family. We're praying that he's soaring high in the sky still circling around all of you. With much love, Debbie (Dashnaw) and Jack Mulcahy and family
Pat taught courage for a living. Perhaps that’s expected for an American soldier, but the old adage, “those who can’t do, teach,” could not have been further from the truth with Pat. Pat lived with a passion for life. He loved hockey, his pugs, and speed riding—an extreme sport combining free-ride skiing with a high-performance paragliding wing. Pat preferred to ski off cliffs in the French Alps, just like a scene from a Bond movie. He was a true leader and always had the backs of the folks around him. "I got your six," he would always say. Pat lived with the same calculation, discipline, and courage he taught his flight students. There is no better example of this than when he gathered the courage to reach out to his then-crush from flight school the moment he saw his opening. That crush, Kayla, is the woman he now leaves behind as his bereaved wife. Pat lived with his heart on his sleeve. For a tough guy, Kayla saw his softer, fuzzier side. (He sure did look good in a fur coat.) He was a steadfast figure: a generous friend, a loving son, a thoughtful husband, and a true brother. A respected flight instructor out of Miramar with the 101, he was a dependable pilot and a true professional for Delta Airlines. Pat dreamed big but was relentless in his goal-setting and in putting thought into action. This was true in chasing the love of his life, right up until that day in Deer Valley when he and Kayla walked down the aisle. He loved sharing his passion for the mountains, cordially inviting friends to his favorite place, Chamonix. And with an eye for greatness in real estate, he had a sharp focus on growing his investments. Everyone here today, and those who could not be here, has shed a tear at the news about Pat. We all know he was taken away from us far too soon. Pat, forever the teacher, even in death, has one last reminder for us all: that each day is a gift and should not be taken for granted. We will miss him. Pat was an optimist. So, in these closing words, let’s remember Pat was a flyboy, call sign LeRoy. (Oorah! Marine sound - WhooRaaa!) We know he is still high in the sky, in the kingdom of heaven. Just remember, the next time you see a blue sky and soft white clouds, that Pat is up there, looking over us, loving us, and protecting us still—as a true hero does.
Our deepest condolences. We both attended ROTC with Pat. He was the best of men, and we know that he now rests in the Lord’s peace. Pat will be remembered and prayed for during Mass Intentions at our parish, Saint Anastasia, during all three masses this weekend. Please accept our prayers for you all.
The Retiree Affairs Office Staff at Hill AFB would like to express our deepest sympathy to you. May you find comfort in your grief and the courage to face the days ahead. If you need help locating military or veterans offices to initiate or finalize benefits, please contact us at 801-777-5735, Monday to Friday, 10:00-2:00 pm. We are available to refer and assist you, HillRAO@gmail.com.
Theresa, Terry, Mike, Kelley, Kayla, and families, We are profoundly sorry for your immense loss of such a wonderful person, Pat. His love and friendship touched our family deeply—especially Matty, Ben, and Rich—and we will forever hold that in our hearts with gratitude. Along with Kelley and Mike, who have been such great friends to our Matty, and to Kayla, with whom we were so fortunate to share such meaningful time alongside Pat during Brianna and Matty’s wedding. Those moments will always remain incredibly special to our entire family. May God continue to bless you all as you grieve, and may you feel Pat’s presence as he soars through the heavens, watching over each of you. With love, Anne Marie, Tom, Isabel, Rich, Brianna, Matty, Winnie, Goldie (coming soon), Ellie, Ben, Milly, and Finn Clune
Dear Terry and Theresa, our deepest condolences on the loss of your beloved son Pat. We watched the tribute to him with grieving hearts, knowing the pain that you both are enduring. We have been praying without end that the love that is Jesus surrounds you and your family giving you comfort and protection as you go forward. Pat still lives, now in the company of all the saints that have preceded us. You will be reunited with him on that glorious day when heaven and earth are one. We love you both along with the rest of your family at Christ the King.
Dear Mike, Terry, Theresa, Kelley, and families, please accept my deepest condolences. May Pat rest in love. When I think of death, I remember a phrase that I like a lot. It’s by Saint John of the Cross: “In the evening of life, we will be judged on love alone.” And I think Pat had finished strong. May the Holy Spirit comfort you at this very difficult time. I will keep you in my prayers through the intercession of Our Lady of Sorrow 🙏🏽💙
Our hearts are broken for all of you, for both of your recent losses. Pat was such a wonderful young man and we treasure our memories of him as a teenager and young adult. Sending all of you much love and peace at such a difficult time. Love, Lynn & Don Cummings, S. Burlington, VT
Dear Terry and Theresa, We are so sorry for your loss. We are thinking and praying for all of you. May family and friends who were a part his life and the memories you share together bring comfort at this difficult time. André and Paula Calkins Lacombe
Our hearts go out to you during this time of sorrow. With deepest sympathy from the Villatte Family
I miss you my friend. I am sorry in those last few days we weren’t able to spend more time together as we’d hoped. A missed time to lay the bricks to house more cherished memories. My heart is heavy, mind is shattered, and spirit conflagrated. It’s unfair you have been plucked from our garden here on Earth. Knowing that you are blossoming brighter than any flower in the gardens that lie beyond, extinguishes the mad conflagration that burdens my spirit. I regret I did not know you sooner, however, with the very brief window of your life, you had selflessly let me in and introduced me to your circle - which I had the privilege to be apart of. Remembering the hard fought battles on the ice playing a game we love, and sharing our experiences, has relieved my weighty heart into a happy one. We wipe our cheeks amidst this forlorn day that looms upon our hearts, but tomorrow we rise and celebrate the days you bestowed upon us - knowing that those memories will last forever. This world has not the slightest idea how demonstrably small it has shrunken without you, but as witnesses to your incredible life, your legacy will never wither away. You are an inspiration, and made the best examples of ourselves to share with the world. Farewell my friend. Rest easy, and we shall meet again.
Dear Daly Family We have known you for such a long time. Through a relationship between Kelley and Teresa we have become family. Memories of CSB...SBHS... Msgr. Michael and the Catholic Center of UVM, and marriage of our children reflect much sharing of our lives. Colonel Tom Thaler further strengthened our bonds with a long mutual relationship between us and your family. We can only express our deepest sympathy. Please know that we will always have your family in our hearts. Unable to understand his will, we will pray for the love of God to find the peace of our Lord and Savior. We love you all. Tim and Betsy Thaler
Theresa, Terry and all of your family, we are so sorry for the loss of your wonderful son. We send all of our Love an d prayers.
Wishing you comfort, love and strength during this time of mourning. While we did not have the opportunity to get to know Pat, we can see that he lived a truly extraordinary and enjoyable life, captivating and blessing so many loved ones by his presence along the way. We are incredibly saddened by your untimely loss. Our prayers and hearts are with you as you celebrate his life today and as you carry his memory forward. Peace and blessings be with you.
We are so deeply sorry for your loss. Pat’s courage, love, and spirit touched so many lives, and his memory will live on in all who knew him. May God’s comfort and peace surround you during this heartbreaking time.
Dear Daly Family, Remember all the times we would play ice hockey in Butler Farms.Pat you are going to be missed very much .Thinking of you all and sending hugs. Kelly Jackson
I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Patrick. As his former Spanish teacher I will hold him in high esteem. My condolences to his family.
Dear Terry and Theresa, my heart felt condolences on the loss of your beloved son, Pat. May your deep faith bring you solace, and a lifetime of loving memories sustain you and your family through the ebb and flow of grief, until you are once again united in our Lord’s eternal Kingdom. Trisha
Dear Kayla and Family, Please accept my heartfelt sympathies for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sending you much aloha across the ocean Kayla and holding you in our hearts with loving prayers... wishing you strength and faith to keep believing, one step at a time. There are not enough appropriate words to comprehend such sorrow, but praying you find comfort in your village of family and friends surrounding you always. It was a beautiful, honorable service to watch online and be able to pray along with everyone. My deepest love to you... xoxo
To Pat’s wife, mother, father, sister, and rest of the family: my deepest sympathy and deepest condolences for your loss. Pat was my Spanish student and went with me to Costa Rica!! I can not say enough about Pat, a young man full of light, energy, determination and love!! He was always ready to try new things with enthusiasm and passion. Loving and giving soul ready to try with courage new things. I am in deep sorrow for this world had loss a man full of passion and tenderness. What a human being! I cannot say enough about this individual that touched everyone on his journey! Pat we will see you when our time comes. 🩵
Don and I were heartbroken to hear of the loss of Pat. Though it has been many years since our days at the hockey rink, we wanted to extend our heartfelt condolences. and let you know we are thinking of your family during this difficult time.
Terry, Theresa, Kayla, Kelly, Mike and entire family. We are heartbroken to learn of Pat’s passing. He was admired and loved by everyone who knew him. He was a leader and a wonderful teammate, classmate, neighbor, friend, husband, brother, son, and trusted colleague to all who surrounded him. During this most painful and difficult time, please know we are thinking of all of you and sending warmest prayers and thoughts to you.
Sending Terry and Teresa a huge hug! God Bless
Dear Theresa, Terry, Kelley and Michael We are profoundly saddened to learn of the loss of your beloved son and brother Patrick. His time with us was far too short, but he achieved so much and touched so many people in a positive way that his legacy will live on. No words can assuage the grief you must feel but we hope that your family can find some comfort in knowing that Patrick was loved and cherished by those who knew him. We have great memories of him as a young man in Vermont – CSB Hawks, South Burlington High and more. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers and hold fond memories of Patrick forever in our hearts. With our deepest sympathy.
Dear Terry, Theresa and family: We came to learn of Patrick’s passing just today. We are distraught for all of you. Our hearts ache immensely. Know that the gentleman you raised was just that — a true gentleman in every sense of the word. Praying that your pain subsides and you all find peace and comfort in the future. With love, The Goldberg Family
Dear Terry and Theresa, We were stunned to hear the tragic news about Pat. Everyone who knows you must be heartbroken at his loss. There are no words to adequately express our sympathy for the devastation and profound loss you must be feeling. Please know we are thinking of you and praying for you every minute. We send all our love and deepest sympathy. Sincerely, Bob and Debbie Larner
Dear Theresa, Terry, Kelley & Mike(aka Mikey), We cannot begin to convey our innermost sorrow and condolences to you all on the unimaginable passing of Pat. We just learned of this inconceivable knowledge on Sunday(11/16) at The Catholic Center. Albeit we only witnessed Pat as an adolescent, it was truly evident he was developing into an unequaled, “the Good Lord broke the mold when He made this one”, mortal soul!! We have a multitude of marvelous memories of Pat both athletic and leisurely. He will remain forever in our prayers.
Dear Theresa and Terry We were shocked and saddened by the news of Pat's death. He will always be PJ to us and we have fond memories of the early years in Longmont when Pat and Jennifer were toddlers. what an amazing young man. I hope your faith will guide you through these times. Much Love to your family.
In Loving Memory
