He joined the United States Marine Corps for World War II, serving with the 1st Marine Division in the Pacific Theatre of Operations, including the invasion of Okinawa and assignment to China.

After the war Daley completed his education at Norwich University, receiving his bachelor's degree in 1949 and embarking on a career as a pharmaceutical sales representative.

Elected during the governorship of Philip H. Hoff, they were the first Democrats to hold Vermont's top two state government posts since the founding of the Republican Party in the 1850s.

[1] He ran again in 1970, losing in the Democratic primary to state senator Lee O'Brien.

From 1969 to 1981 he taught social studies and coached football at Rutland Junior High School, and he was also a football and basketball referee for amateur sports in the Rutland area for many years.