Daniel Comly

A man of intense faith, who led by his example, Daniel F. Comly (Dan) 87, passed away on Monday, March 31, 2014 at the Neighborhood Hospice in West Chester, Pennsylvania. Dan, the eldest of four children born to William and Catharine Comly of Drexel Hill, was the loving patriarch of a very large family he shared with his beloved wife, Patricia B. Comly. With twelve children born in fourteen years, life was not always easy for Dan and Pat. However, their children will attest to the fact that the greatest gifts they received from their parents were the example of their faith and their commitment to each other in marriage.



Born in Philadelphia and raised in Drexel Hill, Dan graduated from St. Andrew's Grade School and West Catholic High School. Upon graduation he entered The Citadel, Military College of South Carolina where he completed his first year. He enlisted in the US Navy, was selected for Midshipman School and was commissioned an Ensign in the Naval Reserve at Northwestern University in 1945. His Naval service included tours aboard the USS Doran, a minesweeper in the South Pacific and the USS Randolph, an aircraft carrier in the Atlantic European Theater at the conclusion of World War II. He was recalled to active duty during the Korean War where he served aboard the USS Isherwood in the South Atlantic area and as an instructor at the US Naval Damage Control Center at the US Navy Yard in Philadelphia. He was released from active duty as a Lieutenant in 1953.



For the next 40 years Dan worked as an auctioneer with his family's firm Wm. F. Comly & Son, Inc., established in Philadelphia in 1834. He was the fifth generation of his family to work in the business, starting out on the floor and working his way up to partner and then owner in a short time.

Dan married Patricia Barrow in 1950 and resided in Drexel Hill and later in Havertown, PA. He was an active member of St. Bernadette's parish where he served in numerous capacities. Dan was an avid golfer and member of the Llanerch Country Club where he served a term as President.



He was a loving husband whose relationship with his spouse was endearing to witness. A loving father, devoted grandfather and great grandfather, Dan's character inspired those around him by virtue of his great faith and integrity. He was a selfless, generous and sincere friend to many and maintained a close friendship with one special group for over 65 years.



Daniel F. Comly, beloved husband of the late Patricia B. Comly, is survived by their children William (Lynne), Patricia Pascucci (Richard), Daniel Jr. (Vicky), Stephen (Donna), Andrew (Joanne), Mary McGann (Michael), Elizabeth Rafferty (Joseph), Suzanne Gennaro (William), Margaret Wiseley (Francis), Peter (Amy), and Christine, 46 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, and his sisters Suzanne McNelis, Elizabeth Mueller and Kathryn Huver (Joseph). Predeceased by his infant son James.



Relatives and friends are invited to his viewing Thursday, April 3, 2014 from 5 to 9 PM at The Donohue Funeral Home, 8401 West Chester Pike, Upper Darby, PA. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10 AM on Friday, April 4, 2014 at St. Bernadette Church, 1035 Turner Ave., Drexel Hill, PA with burial to follow at SS Peter and Paul Cemetery.



Memorial gifts may be made to Neighborhood Hospice, 400 E. Marshall Street, West Chester, PA 19380 or Pennsylvanians for Human Life, 590 Snyder Avenue, West Chester, PA 19382.