Kevin Michael Dailey

Kevin was born into this world on May 8, 1953 and went back to his heavenly home on October 2, 2021. Kevin was known as “a prince of a man” as well as a seanchaí (storyteller) and “SD” (devil’s advocate) by family and friends. His legacy is humor, laughter and smiles. An exhaustive reader and autodidact he shared his knowledge and opinions freely with those he met along the way. Kevin had many special gifts, the one he is most noted for is his cooking. He shared his love through the meals he created. He welcomed all to the table where we would sit for hours sharing delicious organic food, stories and laughter, as well as solving the world’s problems. Born and raised in Jersey City, New Jersey (before it was cool) near Hamilton Park where he could be found playing basketball with his friends for hours and hours (sometimes falling asleep on the court). Kevin attended St. Michael’s Grammar School, St. Peter’s Prep and Merrimack College in Andover Massachusetts. He was offered a full basketball scholarship at Merrimack and attained a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science. He had a stellar career in the railroad industry starting as a baggage man where he learned major important life lessons from the “Southern Gentlemen” he worked with. Kevin worked his way up through managerial positions including Supervisor of Safety and Operating Rules for a mid-west division of Conrail and General Motors Railroad Logistics Manager for North America. After he retired, Kevin became an “expert witness” for railroad cases using his knowledge, experience and expertise in railroad safety rules and standards. He was proud to bring truth to each case in which he participated. Kevin also mentored many younger colleagues along the way, sharing his wit and wisdom. A world traveler and unofficial “Goodwill Ambassador”. Kevin was a member of the Ann Arbor Sister City People to People Committee and volunteered with the U.S. State Department International Visitors Program where he demonstrated his passion for truth, justice and peace in the world. Kevin was also known for his love of music, arts and poetry. Some of his favorites included, Baudelaire, Emily Dickinson, Van Gogh, Mozart, Beethoven, the Kruger Brothers, Sean Keane and, of course being a Jersey guy, the “The Boss” Bruce Springsteen. He volunteered for the Goderich Celtic Roots Festival joining the Robinsons – “Binson Majors and Binson Minors” in welcoming amazing musicians from around the world, many of whom became close friends. Kevin’s memory will be kept alive in the hearts of his family and many friends in the U.S., Canada, and the world – Ireland, Germany, Scotland, The Netherlands and Switzerland… you all know who you are. Kevin’s family includes the late Alice and John Dailey, Mark Dailey, Genevieve and Victor Mackiewicz, Babci Piotrowicz, Babci Mackiewicz. Survived by: His loving wife Regina Dailey, John (Buck) and Colleen Dailey, Christine (Chrissy) and Walter Wahlgren, Stas’ Mackiewicz and Jane Critchlow, Frank Latoraca (Laura Latoraca deceased), Nephews: Christopher, Nicholas and Gabriel, Nieces: Mary Kate (John), Amy (Jared), Great niece Molly, Great nephews: Jack, Owen, Finn and Liam. Aunt Dorothy, Aunts, Uncles & Cousins: Dailey, Geiss, Ryan, Deblasio, Przygocki, Mackiewicz, and Piotrowicz families and many dear friends throughout the world.