The Colonel Joseph C. Deely, United States Air Force, Retired ’56 and the Elizabeth “Betty” Deely Memorial Scholarships
Criteria: (Amount Equal to $1500.00) The Elizabeth Deely Memorial Scholarship is awarded to 2 senior Nursing majors who provides documented evidence of financial need. Preference will be given to applicants who are citizens of the United States. Applicants should provide a short essay attesting to the need for this grant and offering insight into his or her desired nursing specialty.
In 2017, the Worcester State University community joined the family of Colonel Joseph C. Deely, United State Air Force, Retired, in mourning the loss of their father who was an officer, gentleman, a man of great faith, and family man, and a philanthropist. During our collective time of sadness, those who knew and loved Joe rejoiced and took great comfort in knowing he was now reunited with his beloved wife, Elizabeth “Betty” Deely.
Joe and Betty were raised in working class homes where money was scarce. Their parents expected each to graduate high school then enter the work force to help with family finances. Both knew however, they yearned to continue with their education – Joe a teacher and Betty a nurse. When opportunities knocked, each took advantage. Betty joined the Cadet Nurse Program graduating in 1948 and when World War II ended, Betty began her career with the Worcester District Nurses. In October of 1949, Joe and Betty married, Joe was then a discharged enlisted veteran of WWII and a newly appointed second lieutenant in the Air Force Reserve. Soon they were blessed with 8 children and Joe enrolled at Worcester State Teachers College but withdrew for full-time employment. He was called to active duty in the Air Force and served 11 months in Korea, returning to WSTC to graduate in 1956. Betty’s love of nursing allowed Joe to pursue a baccalaureate degree in elementary education. “She would work nights, and I would babysit,” shared Joe. “I would never have been able to get through Worcester State without her.” Joe taught elementary school for two years and earned a master’s degree in education from alma mater in 1958. Still affiliated with the Air Force, Joe left teaching in 1959 to become an Air Reserve Technician at Hanscom Air Force Base which took him and his family of ten to Virginia and Georgia. Joe retired in 1983 as a colonel. Joe and Betty were a beautiful team, always putting their family first. Their devotion to one another and their children extended over their 57 years of marriage. Betty passed in 2006 at which time Joe endowed a scholarship in her memory to benefit WSU nursing students. Upon Joe’s passing 11 years later, the Deely family established this scholarship to honor and memorialize their beloved parents’ memories and legacies.
Following his return from WWII, Joe enrolled at Worcester State Teachers College, but withdrew for full-time employment. He was called to active duty in the Air Force and served 11 months in Korea. Upon his return, Joe re-enrolled at WSTC. He graduated in 1956.
Betty’s employment as a nurse allowed Joe to pursue a baccalaureate degree in elementary education. “She would work nights, and I would babysit,” Joe says. “I would never have been able to get through Worcester State without her.” In his senior year, Joe was elected president of the Student Council, inducted into the Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in Education, and shared the Ella Whitney Prize for self-development with the class president, John Neal.
Joe was an elementary school teacher for two years and earned a master’s degree in education from WSTC in 1958. Still affiliated with the Air Force Reserve, Joe left teaching in late 1959 to become an Air Reserve Technician at Hanscom Air Force Base in Bedford, Mass. In 1969, he was recalled to active duty. Over the next 14 years, his assignments took the family to Springfield, Va., and Warner Robins, Ga. Joe retired in 1983 in the grade of colonel.
As her family grew, Betty worked as a private duty and hospital nurse. She was selfless in her desire to assist her neighbors, children, family, or friends. When Betty was no longer able to work, it only took a phone call for her to pack her bags and go where she was needed or open her and Joe’s home to family needing care. She strongly believed in education, especially for women. She was especially thrilled to see two of her daughters become nurses and work in their communities.