Joseph R. Daly of Rochester, MN died at Madonna Towers on Sunday, December 23, 2018 of Alzheimer's Disease.

He was born on July 17, 1926 in Rochester where he lived all of his life except when he was in the navy from 1944 to 1946. He was proud of his Irish heritage and that he was 100 percent Irish. He graduated from Rochester High School in 1944. Joe played football, basketball, and participated in track. In his senior year, he shared the prestigious Blakely Cup with one of his best friends, Howie Tompkins. The Blakely Cup was awarded on the basis of scholarship, character, and athletic ability.

Upon graduating from high school, he enlisted in the Navy and served in the Pacific Theater on a troop transport ship. After his stint in the Navy, he returned to Rochester and graduated from Rochester Junior College and then went on to St. Thomas College, graduating in Economics in 1950. Two months later, he married LugeneTrisler at St. John's Catholic Church, whom he had met at Jr. College. He went into the Liquor business with his father, opening a small store on Broadway before moving to the new Miracle Mile Shopping center in 1953. Later, his younger brother joined the two Joes in business. Joe Jr. was proud of the fact that he and Jim never had an argument in their 31 years of working together. He retired in 1986.

Joe was a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Junior Chamber of Commerce, the West Side Kiwanis Club, and Sertoma. He liked all sports and enjoyed playing golf, softball, and league bowling. He was active in several ministries at St. Pius X Catholic Church, where he and Tris were charter members. They also delivered meals on wheels together for several years. Joe and Tris loved to dance and were members of the Soiree Club. Another favorite pastime was traveling with family and friends. They traveled to many places in the United States, to Europe in 1994, and to Ireland in 2002 with three of their children. In 1969, Joe took the family on a trip to the west coast in a motorhome. It was a month-long adventure. They wintered in Arizona for 34 years.

They were the proud parents of eight children and followed them in their various sports and activities. Joe is survived by his wife of 68 years; two girls, Maureen (Steve) Nierman of Rochester, and Colleen Daly of Milwaukee; five sons, Michael (Sue Toffanetti) Daly of Excelsior, Mark Daly of St. Anthony, Patrick Daly of Woodbury, John Daly of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, and Rick Daly of Stillwater (fiancé, Susan Ivancie of Shoreview); son, Brian Daly died two years ago and his wife, Jill, resides in Rochester. He is survived by six grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Almina and Joe; sister, Helen Marie and brother-in-law, Scott Frear; and brother, Jim Daly and sister-in-law, Judy.

Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 28th at St. Pius X Catholic Church with Rev. Russell Scepaniak officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church.

Memorials are preferred to St. Pius X Catholic Church, The St. MarysPoverella Fund, or Madonna Towers.

Joe's family is grateful to the staff in skilled nursing, Mayo Hospice, Emil Gauthier Memory Care, and the Spiritual Care Department for their loving care. Joe's body has been donated to the Mayo Foundation for research.

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.