Joseph Michael Daly

Joseph Daly, a loyal and patriotic man who was a friend to many, died at home suddenly on August 18, 2011. He was 69 years old.

Joe was born in Worcester, Massachusetts in 1942 and was a 1964 graduate of the University of Massachusetts. While in school he was a licensed pilot and a member of the Parachute Club. After college he joined the Navy and he would later tell friends that his military service was the best time of his life.

Joe was a Naval Intelligence Liaison Officer and volunteered for duty in Vietnam where he initiated reconnaissance missions, provided intelligence reports and assessments and acted as a naval gunfire spotter. He volunteered for a second tour of duty and was sent to Rach Gia near the Cambodian border. The Bronze Star was one of many medals he wore proudly on his Navy jacket.

Joe returned from Vietnam in 1969 and joined the Drug Enforcement Administration. Soon, he was back in Vietnam where he served another two years as an assistant narcotic attache at the US Embassy in Saigon. He was a special agent in Los Angeles, California and then Seattle, Washington until he retired in 1994 after 24 years of service.

It was in Los Angeles, that he met and married Dee, and together they would share the next 39 years. Joe was known as a man with a gentle heart and a keen mind who had an eye for quality. The family home in rural Snohomish always had the latest electronics and he was one of the first to own an Apple computer. He also enjoyed gourmet food, fine wine, woodworking, adventure novels and restoring his Volvo P100 sports car. He could be counted on to provide good wine and great stories.

Joe was especially close to his niece and nephew, Amanda and Jeff Hellman and their children, Elijah and Rowan, who lived nearby and fondly remember Joe for spoiling them with candy, gum and hugs in his favorite chair. Joe also loved his dogs and he and Dee owned many over the years, most recently his best friends, Duke, Cash and Trooper.

Joe is survived by his wife, Dee; a brother, William; sister, Judy; nieces and nephews, including Kevin, Christopher, Colleen and Patty; and numerous friends.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Rottweiler Rescue, Bull Mastiff Rescue or a canine charity of your choice.

Arrangements under the direction of Purdy & Kerr with Dawson Funeral Home, Monroe, WA.