John Patrick Daly, 66, of Champaign passed away at 2:39 P.M. on Friday, October 16, 2015 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 A. M. on Wednesday, October 21, 2015 at St. Mary's Church, 612 E. Park St, Champaign. A luncheon will be held after the service. A Visitation will be held from 4:00-7:30 P.M. on Tuesday, October 20, 2015 at Renner-Wikoff Chapel, 1900 S. Philo Rd., Urbana. A private burial will be held at Woodlawn Cemetery.

John was born in Evergreen Park on December 17, 1948 to parents William James and Jean Elizabeth (Carlson) Daly. On August 24, 1973 John married Barbara Jones in Champaign. She survives. Also surviving is his mother, Jean of Champaign, son, Christopher Daly (Charlene Wahl) of Carbondale, brothers, William J. Daly Jr. (Diane) of Savoy and Timothy C. Daly (Kay) of Champaign, his sister Carla M. Zych (Rob) of Champaign, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

His father, William, preceded him in death.

John was a graduate of Thornridge High School in Cook County. After high school he enlisted in the United States Air Force. After being honorably discharged from the Air Force he attended Illinois State University, where he received his B.A. in Criminal Justice. John was a Champaign Police Officer for 10 years. He returned to school in 1983 receiving a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Illinois in 1985. He served as an Assistant State's Attorney for Champaign County for fifteen years, retiring in 2001. John was a member of the Champaign County Bar Association and the Illinois State Bar Association.

John had a passion for public service and social justice. He dedicated his years on the Champaign Police Department and with the Assistant State's Attorney Office to serving his community. He enjoyed mentoring younger officers and attorneys, stressing to them that "You can only hear when you listen; and for things to change, we must all see reality the same way."

John was intensely loyal and dedicated to animal rights. He was active in Akita rescue for many years.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Champaign County Humane Society or to the Eastern Illinois Food Bank.