By Stephen Hemelt
L’Observateur

LAPLACE — Known as a tireless worker with sincere resolve, friends and colleagues are mourning the loss of Thomas F. Daley, former judge and district attorney for St. John the Baptist Parish.

Daley, 61, died Saturday following a battle with cancer.

Daley just completed his term as St. John the Baptist Parish D.A., deciding in November not to seek reelection despite being the top vote getter in the primary election.

In announcing his cancer had returned, Daley bowed out of the runoff election, setting the stage for runoff challenger and former colleague Bridget Dinvaut to succeed him as district attorney.

Dinvaut described Daley as a friend and mentor, noting their paths first crossed in 1987, when he was a prosecutor and she served as a narcotics officer with the St. John the Baptist Sheriff’s office.

“Over time, our relationship evolved into a friendship based upon our mutual respect for the law and our commitment to public service,” Dinvaut said. “I will always treasure the many conversations we had wherein he provided insight and institutional knowledge on the working mechanics of the criminal justice system, locally and regionally. I will miss our exchanges on addressing crime prevention and criminal consequences.

“I am deeply saddened by the loss of Thomas F. Daley, our office leader, a respected public servant, a gentleman, a scholar and, most importantly, my friend.”

A native of New Jersey, Daley served as a licensed attorney in Louisiana for 36 years and as a judge for 18 years, serving on the 40th Judicial District Court and the Louisiana 5th Circuit Court of Appeal.

St. John Sheriff Mike Tregre described Daley as a “true servant in St. John Parish,” adding during his time at the D.A.’s office, he found Daley to be the first person at the office and last to leave.

“He had a sincere desire to see St. John Parish get better,” Tregre said. “Outside of the office, he had a passion for Keep St. John Beautiful, and during our annual clean sweep, he was out there with the crowds to get the streets cleaned. He was a role model for ethical behavior, and he will be missed by many people in our parish.”

Judge Mary Becnel said Daley was an example of selfless dedication to public service.

“His passing has left a significant gap in parish leadership, which has been keenly felt since his recent departure from the district attorney’s office,” Becnel said.

Daley is a past member of the Louisiana Judicial College, the Supreme Court Committee on Judicial Ethics and taught law at Delgado and LSU.

For many years, Daley served as chairman of Keep St. John Beautiful and the St. John Shade Tree Committee.

He is a past member of the 4-H Foundation and a former president of the Belle Terre II Civic Association.

Daley and his wife Margaret were married for more than 32 years and have two adult daughters. Daley was a parishioner of St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, where he volunteered as a Catechism teacher.

“We would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Tom Daley,” Parish President Natalie Robottom said. “Tom was an outstanding public servant, dedicated to justice, a fearless leader and most importantly, a friend. His passing signifies a true loss to the legal and parish community, and he will be missed by all.”

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Mass at 1 p.m. Thursday at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 529 W. 5th St. in LaPlace. Visitation is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

In announcing his departure from public service in November, Daley told L’OBSERVATEUR he received positive support from the community, in prayers and well wishes.

“I thank (community members) for their help and support,” he said at the time. “I had the privilege to help serve the citizens of St. John Parish for 29 plus years. I’m grateful for the opportunity.”