Joseph A. Dailing

Joseph Arthur Dailing, 78, of Rockford, passed away at his home surrounded by family on Thursday, June 9, 2022. He was born in Moline, Illinois, on Sept. 12, 1943, the son of John and Elsie (Pulford) Dailing.

He graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1966, before obtaining his Juris Doctor from the University of Iowa in 1974.
As executive director of Rockford-based Prairie State Legal Services for 29 years, he helped provide free legal services for thousands of poor and elderly people. After his retirement from Prairie State in 2006, Joe became executive director of the Illinois Coalition for Equal Justice, spending six years setting up online legal self-help centers throughout Illinois. As a consultant for Legal Services Corporation, he traveled the nation helping agencies serve their low-income clientele more efficiently and effectively. His passion for justice led him to take long-term contract positions among the Lakota Sioux in Mission, South Dakota, the Navajo in Window Rock, Arizona, and in the Republic of Georgia.

He enjoyed woodworking and renovating his historic Haight Village home alongside his wife Diane. Joe loved to travel, read, explore and learn, but his favorite role was that of “Papa” to his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years Diane; children Elizabeth Dailing and Paul (Lisa) Dailing; grandchildren Samuel and Nora Dailing; sister Mary Lappe; brother-in-law Richard (Gwen Schoolar) Rose; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother John Dailing; brother-in-law William Lappe; and niece Mary Joyce Lappe.

Visitation will be held on Monday, June 13, 2022 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Riverside Chapel, 3910 N Rockton Ave. Rockford, IL 61103. Celebration of the Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, June 14, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. located at St. James Catholic Church, 428 N 2nd St. Rockford, IL 61104. Final resting place will conclude later in Calvary Cemetery, Rock Island, IL. Masks required.

Donations in Joe’s honor may be made to Prairie State Legal Services or the charity of your choice.

Arrangements entrusted to Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory. Share online memories and condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com