William Daley

William Daley

William Daley (or Bill Daley) is a name shared by several notable individuals across various fields, including American politics, sports, ceramics, and business. The most prominent bearers of the name include William M. Daley (born 1948), an American politician from Illinois who served as White House Chief of Staff and United States Secretary of Commerce; William Daley (1925–2022), an American ceramist and professor recognized for his contributions to studio pottery; and several figures in professional sports, including an American football player and a baseball player active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The name has also been associated with an Australian politician active in New South Wales politics in the early 20th century, and a professional wrestling referee known by the ring name Billy Silverman. Due to the frequency of the name across different eras and disciplines, "William Daley" has appeared in numerous public records, obituaries, and historical documents throughout the United States, Australia, and beyond. This article serves as a disambiguation and overview of the most notable individuals who have borne this name, with particular attention to those whose careers and contributions have been documented in reliable sources.

Notable Individuals Named William Daley

William M. Daley (born 1948)

William M. Daley, born in 1948, is an American political figure from Illinois. He is among the most publicly recognized bearers of the name, having served in several high-profile positions within the United States government. He served as the 33rd United States Secretary of Commerce and later as White House Chief of Staff. A member of the prominent Daley political family of Chicago, William M. Daley has been a significant figure in American Democratic Party politics for several decades.

William Daley, Ceramist (1925–2022)

William Daley was an American ceramist and professor who lived from 1925 to 2022. He was recognized for his work in studio ceramics and held academic positions in which he contributed to the education of subsequent generations of ceramic artists. His career spanned several decades, and his work was exhibited in galleries and institutions focused on American craft and fine art.

Bill Daley, American Football (1919–2015)

Bill Daley was an American football player who lived from 1919 to 2015. His career in American football placed him among the athletes of the mid-20th century who contributed to the development and popularity of the sport during a formative period in its professional history.

Bill Daley, Baseball (1868–1922)

Bill Daley was an American baseball player who lived from 1868 to 1922. Active during the late 19th century, he was part of the early era of organized professional baseball in the United States.

William Daley, Australian Politician (1870–1944)

William Daley was a politician in New South Wales, Australia, who lived from 1870 to 1944. He served in the New South Wales Parliament and was active in Australian political life during the early 20th century.

William R. Daley (1892–1971)

William R. Daley was an American baseball executive who lived from 1892 to 1971. He held roles within the organizational and administrative side of professional baseball in the United States.

Billy Silverman (William Daley, born 1962)

William Daley, born in 1962 and better known by his professional name Billy Silverman, is an American professional wrestling referee. He has been associated with major professional wrestling promotions and is recognized within the industry for his work officiating matches.

The Name in Contemporary Public Records

The name William Daley continues to appear frequently in contemporary public records and media across the United States. Several recent obituaries and news reports illustrate the breadth of individuals who have carried this name.

In November 2025, an obituary published by Donohue Funeral Home announced the death of William J. "Bill" Daley of Broomall, Pennsylvania, and Ocean City, New Jersey. According to the obituary, he was described as "a beloved figure in the community and the proud owner of Barnaby's Restaurants," indicating his role as a business owner in the Philadelphia-area restaurant industry.

In May 2025, William "Bill" George Daley of Louisville, Kentucky, died at the age of 80. According to his obituary published by Legacy.com and Ratterman Brothers Funeral Home, he passed away on May 30, 2025.

In April 2025, the Scranton Times-Tribune published an obituary for William "Snapper" Daley, aged 67, of Carbondale, Pennsylvania, who died at home after an illness. He was survived by his wife, the former Judy Cortese.

Also in April 2025, an obituary was published through Craig Flagler Palms Funeral Home for a William Daley of Flagler Beach, Florida.

In December 2025, the Allegheny County Police Department announced it was investigating the death of 58-year-old William Daley Jr. of West Mifflin, Pennsylvania, which occurred in July of that year and was classified as a homicide. The investigation was reported by both WTAE and TribLIVE.com.

These records illustrate that the name William Daley remains common across a wide geographic area of the United States, with individuals bearing the name active in business, community life, and other domains.