John Patrick Daly, 66, of Champaign passed away at 2:39 p.m. Friday (Oct. 16, 2015) at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana.

A memorial Mass will be at 11 a. m. Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2015, at St. Mary's Church, 612 E. Park St, Champaign. A luncheon will be held after the service. Visitation will be from 4 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 20, at Renner-Wikoff Chapel, 1900 S. Philo Road, Urbana. A private burial will be held at Woodlawn Cemetery.

John was born in Evergreen Park on Dec. 17, 1948, to parents William James and Jean Elizabeth (Carlson) Daly. On Aug. 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 U.S. Air Force. After being honorably discharged from the Air Force, he attended Illinois State University, where he received his Bachelor of Arts 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 15 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. Condolences may be offered online at renner-wikoffchapel.com.