Obituary
Stanley- It is with sad hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved son, brother, grandson, nephew, Dalton Paul Daugherty on Wednesday, January 14, 2026.
A celebration of Dalton’s life will be held at a date to be announced.
Dalton was the first born of triplets on June 20, 1994 to Woody and Gretchen (Runestad) Daugherty. His sisters Sage Louise and Cheyenne Jesse will forever remain triplets.
Dalton was born prematurely and developed cerebral palsy. He was non-verbal but could light up a room with his smile and was also the best secret keeper:) Our family was blessed with many vacations traveling in “Harry” our RV across the country. Dalton loved taking long walks along Seneca Lake and visiting his dad at his store, the Gorham Market.
He loved music of all kinds and his favorite movie was the Sound of Music! We took him along with his beloved Grammie to see the 60th anniversary showing and he was happily engaged the entire three hours. He loved NASCAR and loud motorcycles. He was given a Dream from the Dream Factory of Rochester and Dalton chose a trip to Disney. They came to our house to speak with him and saw an Elmo. She told Dalton about Sesame Street Place in PA. She said he could go there and no response…she said OR you could go to Disney and he squealed and almost jumped off the couch! We stayed at Give Kids The World. This was an amazing opportunity for Dalton to be a kid with his family.
Dalton is survived by his parents, Woody and Gretchen Daugherty; sisters, Sage Louise and Cheyenne Jesse; maternal grandmother, Martha Issing; his uncle, Todd Runestad; and his beloved dogs, Abby, Bogey, Paris, Edgar, Indigo and Cookie, and his three legged cat, Tripod.
Dalton was predeceased by his maternal grandfather, Leslie Runestad and paternal grandmother, Mabel Parks.
We are grateful to Tresea his nurse of 30 years and Peggy his aide of over 10 years. They made his life joyful and we are forever grateful.
Us Five against the world, forever and always…
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Dalton’s name can be made to, Arc Ontario, ATTN: Friends of the Arc Ontario Foundation 3071 County Complex Dr., Canandaigua, NY 14424; or to, Cobblestone Arts Center, 1622 St. Rt. 332, Farmington, NY 14425; or to, Dream Factory of Rochester, P.O. Box 308, East Rochester, NY 14445; or to, Give Kids the World, 210 S. Bass Rd., Kissimmee, FL 34746.
Please visit www.perkinsamesfuneralhome.com to send a message of condolence to Dalton’s Family.
Condolences
Mitchel and Cameron Stewart-Leet from Stanley, NY on Jan. 17, 2026
Dear Daughertys, we love you so, so much. Dalton was truly a gift and his life so full because of your love. Woody and Gretchen, our hearts are with you! We will always remember and celebrate Dalton Daugherty, and triplets are forever 💗
Lusette Lilley from Port Saint Lucie on Jan. 17, 2026
So sorry for your loss. Sending hugs and love ❤️
Jerry & Diane Savage on Jan. 17, 2026
Our sincere condolences to your family. It sounds like you all gave him a wonderful life and he will be missed terribly.
Doug Ward from NY NY on Jan. 17, 2026
Heartfelt condolences to Gretchen, Woody, Sage, Cheyenne and Marty and to all extended family and friends of Dalton
Tom Denninger from 1622 route 332 on Jan. 17, 2026
Woody and Gretchen, please accept my heart felt condolences . Dalton always brought a smile to my face every day he was riding with me. He will be missed. Tom
Tracy Tiffany from Phelps NY on Jan. 17, 2026
I had the privilege to work with Dalton when he was a student at MEC. I am devastated to hear he has passed. He was such an amazing kid with a smile that could light up an entire room. He's always so happy, he had an awesome sense of humor, he was the best secret keeper (which he always found hysterical)and really put life into perspective. He was an angel here on earth and I am so grateful that you shared him with us. I am sending my sincerest condolences. I am thinking of your family and keeping you in my prayers. May your beautiful memories give you some solace. God bless
Sylvia Neill from Canandaigua. New York on Jan. 17, 2026
To all of Dalton’s family, Gretchen, Woody, Sage, Cheyenne and my dear friend, Grammie Marti. I am so very sorry for your loss and send thoughts of comfort and hugs. I was always so heartened by Dalton’s smile and upbeat demeanor, he spread happiness all around. What an amazing legacy!
Jordan Mansfield from New Boston, NH on Jan. 18, 2026
Sage,
I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m sending you and your family big hugs and lots of love during this difficult time.
With Love,
Jordan, Penny, and our guardian angel Carly
Dianna Snyder from Geneva ny on Jan. 18, 2026
Our hearts , love and prayers are with you all! Dianna and Harlene Wilson
Tanya Willey from Canandaigua, NY on Jan. 18, 2026
Dear Woody, Gretchen, Sage, and Cheyenne,
My heart is so heavy as I think of Dalton’s passing. Woody, having you as such a close friend to my father and by being a presence in my own life since the day I was born, I feel like I’ve had a front-row seat to the incredible love of your family.
I’ll never forget going to the hospital when the triplets were born. Seeing you all grow together over the last 30 years has been a privilege. Dalton’s smile really did light up every room, and the way you all championed him—from the RV trips in 'Harry' to the walks by Seneca Lake—was the purest definition of family.
He was a gift, and I know that 'Us Five against the world' bond is eternal. I am holding you all so close in my heart.
With all my love,
Tanya & Paul Willey
Roxie Hutchinson from Crestview Florida on Jan. 18, 2026
Woody and family Ron and I are so sorry for your loss. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Rachael (Wiest) Lund from Castle Rock, CO on Jan. 19, 2026
I am so deeply sad to hear this news. Your family has always stood out to me as having a special bond beyond normal sibling and familial love. Dalton was so lucky to have your love in his life and you to have his. I miss and love you all, even all these years later!! Xo ‘Pastor Rachael’
June Roos from Canandaigua on Jan. 19, 2026
My heart goes out to this beautiful family. If I close my eyes, I can still see Dalton sprawled out across his ottoman, smiling broadly at his visitors. He is no doubt dancing up a storm in heaven..
Hugs and kisses to you all.
Patricia Eddinger from Geneva, NY on Jan. 19, 2026
We are so sorry to hear of Dalton’s passing We are sending comforting prayers to you all. We know you are a loving strong family who can pull each other through this difficult time. With sympathy, Randy and Patti Eddinger
Christopher Pollick from Chino Hills, California on Jan. 20, 2026
Gretchen, Woody, Sage and Cheyenne,
My heart is heavy hearing of Dalton’s passing. I know he had his best life with all of you. I have no other words other than you are all in my thoughts.
Chris
Adam Hollebrandt from Lyons NY on Jan. 20, 2026
Rest in piece Dalton you will be missed I remember you from MEC
Brad Rice from Victor,NY,14564 on Jan. 20, 2026
Dalton was such a pleasure to transport to his places of joy! He will be missed by me forever! He was one hell of a trooper! Rest in peace!
Adelle Wadsworth from Lyons , ny on Jan. 21, 2026
To All of Dalton’s Family,
I just learned about the passing of one of my truly amazing students “Dalton”! The kind of child that leaves a deep impression upon your heart and teaching memories! I had the privilege of being one of his Speech Therapists while he was a MEC student. Dalton had the best sense of humor paired with integrity, intelligence and an incredible work ethic. He worked hard, never complained and brightened every day we worked together. We shared laughs and he met challenges like a champ! He along with his loving, supportive family made a difference in my life and the lives of so many others! I always looked forward to our sessions and his infectious smile! Thank you for this great picture of him. Surely he’’ll be continuing to bring joy as he lights up the lives of others on his next life’s journey. God Bless You All
Patty Steele from Canandaigua on Jan. 21, 2026
I love you all. Blessings of comfort through the memories of your sweet son, brother and grandson. ❣️😢
Paris Leibenguth from Penfield, NY on Jan. 22, 2026
Sending all my love and prayers to Dalton’s family and caregivers. His contagious smile and witty sense of humor always made my day so much brighter. I will cherish all the fun times we spent together at NEC. As one of my favorite Disney characters once said “Any day spent with you was my favorite day.”