Family was the most important thing in life to Joseph B. "Ben" Dailey, who grew up in Babylon and lived in Deer Park for about 45 years. In fact, he and his wife Carole relocated to Indiana to be closer to their children, who are living all over the country.

Mr. Dailey died September 22, 2006. He was 84 years old.

Born in Norfolk, Virginia, he was raised in Babylon and graduated from its schools. During World War II he served in the U.S. Navy as a gunner's mate. He worked his way up from lineman to district supervisor in LILCO (LIPA) before his retirement in 1983.

He retired to Elkhart, Indiana with his wife in 1985 and then to Lafayette, Indiana.

In his spare time, he was an avid reader , bird watcher and flower gardener who loved most of all

to spend time with his family. Mr. Dailey was also a gifted woodworker who learned the craft from his father.

Mr. Dailey leaves behind his wife of 62 years, Carole; his children: Pamela Sawey and her husband Richard of Lindenhurst, Patricia Rosen and her husband Arthur of Lafayette, Karl and his wife Jane of Chadron, Nebraska and Kurt and his wife Emily of Galipolis, Ohio; his eight grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; as well as other loves ones and friends.

Donations in Mr. Dailey's name can be sent to the Habitat for Humanity, 121 Habitat Street, Americus, GA 31709-3498 or The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, P.O. Box 4072, Pittsfield, MA 01202.

Although there was no funeral service, a memorial will be held in the Spring of 2007, according to the family.