Dailey Jr., John E.

John E. Dailey, Jr. passed away at his home in Dalton, Georgia on October 2nd. Jack was loved and respected by family, friends and colleagues for his loyalty, commitment, generosity and sense of humor.

He had a life-long dedication to the sport he loved and at which he excelled; cross country running. His passion for the sport began in Rockland County, NY at Tappan Zee High School where he set records and earned the moniker The Piermont Zephyr. Even after knee replacement surgeries forced him to hang up his running shoes, the Track and Field community celebrated his accomplishments with induction into the Rockland County Track & Field Hall of Fame in 2009 and the Tappan Zee Athletic Hall of Fame in 2012.

He was a proud member of Syracuse University’s Track and Field team and after graduating remained a loyal Orangeman his entire life. He completed the New York City and Boston Marathons more than once, ran in many Turkey Trots and Boilermakers, and competed in countless 5K and 10K races. He could regularly be seen running along the Erie Canal in Fairport, NY where he and his wife Carolyn raised their family.

The Dailey’s home on Nettlecreek Road was famous for open doors, hospitality, and parties. Jack was well known for his fondness for cold beer and good company. He played host to countless pool parties, clam bakes and old fashioned cookouts. The Great Pabst Blue Ribbon Shortage of 2002 was entirely due to Jack’s 60th Birthday Party.

Jack’s good nature and infectious personality made him a force in sales and management for Murphy and Nolan, Inc. where he worked for over 40 years. Although his professional career predated the dawn of the internet, he learned just enough about the world-wide-web to find and distribute an endless stream of good and bad humor to family, friends and former colleagues. Lighter inboxes will be a sad reminder of his absence.

Above all else he loved his family. By his side for 46 years, and caring for him through injury and illness to the end was his wife and partner Carolyn, who he cherished.

In addition to his wife, Jack is survived by his brother William Dailey (w. Elissa), sister Carolyn Limbert (h. Frank, s. Chris and Scott, d. Kristen), son Matthew Dailey, “The Girls” daughters Meghan Smith (h. Jason), Maureen Dailey (partner Jonathan), and Jennifer Mahler (h. Adam), grandchildren Harley and Hannah Dailey, Eli Crump, and Avery Smith, his beloved Aunt Alice, and many cousins, extended family and countless friends.

The family would like to thank those who cared for Jack at the end; the compassionate nurses and care team at Hamilton Hospice, and especially his daughter Maureen and her family who made countless sacrifices as Jack’s caregivers.

The family will receive family and friends at a celebration of Jack’s life this Spring. Many thanks to Keenan Funeral Home for their help and support.