Daryl Daggett

Daryl A. Daggett

Age 73, of Dresden, passed away surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with cancer on May 21, 2025. 

Daryl was born on December 3, 1951 in Penn Yan to Ralph and Grace (Loree) Daggett. Daryl was raised by his beloved grandmother, Margaret Loree, whom he adored. From a young age, Daryl was obsessed with figuring out how things work, taking his bicycle apart to figure out how to put it back together over and over, much to his grandmothers dismay. This love of tinkering followed Daryl throughout his life.

He began working full-time at Lakeland during his senior year of high school and later went to Transelco and where he became known as the go-to guy for all the repairs. Daryl enlisted in the Army Reserves in December 1970, serving for 6 years. In 1973 Daryl opened his own garage “Daryl's Garage and Body Shop” which he passed down to his son in 2014, still operating as Daggett's Garage. Even in retirement Daryl never slowed down, whether it was cutting wood, mowing lawns, plowing snow, or “checking in on Nate and the boys at the shop.”

Daryl loved the outdoors whether it was hunting, fishing, or golfing. Daryl looked forward to his yearly Myrtle Beach trip with his golf buddies. Daryl's love of motors led to him owning multiple race cars throughout the years across multiple tracks, leading to many lifelong friendships. Daryl passed this love onto his children, with his son and grandson also racing.

Daryl's dream was always to have a hunting camp to enjoy with his children and grandchildren. Daryl started this in 2013 and has continued to add on, leaving his family with wonderful memories of four wheeling, hunting, and fishing in “Pa's pond.”

Daryl met the love of his life, Betty Mae Dunning, in 1978. They immediately fell in love and were married on August 20, 1978. Daryl is survived by his wife Betty; and their children, Connie (Bob) Peacock, Jolynn (Andrew) Worden, Elaine (Daniel) Lewis, and Nathan (Alexis) Daggett. One of Daryl's greatest joys was his grandchildren. He loved to spend time with them and was so proud of each of them. Tyler (Rae) Peacock, Michael (Devin Armstrong) Peacock, Hunter, Jackson, and Teagan Worden, Brynn and Addisyn Lewis, and Casen Daggett. Daryl recently learned he was going to be a great-grandfather to baby boy Peacock, due around Daryl's birthday. Daryl joins his angel grandbaby Harper in heaven.

Daryl is also survived by his sister, Ann Shepardson; brothers-in-law, James (Chris Christensen) Dunning, Michael (Kathy) Dunning, and Bill (Lori) Dunning; sisters-in-law, Luanne Dunning Cross and Kim Labarr; and numerous nieces, nephews, and close friends.

Daryl was predeceased by his parents, mother-in-law Virginia Dunning, brother Eugene Daggett, and granddaughter Harper Daggett. Daryl's 3D Racing pit crew were ready and waiting for him with a Utica Club when he got to the gates of heaven.

The family will receive friends at the Weldon Funeral Home, 102 E. Main Street, Penn Yan on Friday May 30th from 2-4pm and 6-8pm. A funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Saturday May 31st at 11am. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Benton Fire Department immediately after the service.

Memorial Contributions can be made in Daryl's memory to the Hope Walk of Yates County, PO BOX 174, Penn Yan NY 14527 or a charity of one’s choice.