John L. Dailey Jr.
Captain, U.S. Navy
John L. Dailey Jr. was born on 8 February 1951 in Aurora, IL. He was raised there, where he graduated from Marmion Military Academy in 1969. John went on to attend the U.S. Naval Academy and was commissioned as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy in June 1973 with a Bachelor of Science degree in International Security Affairs. John later earned a Master's degree in International Public Policy from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore in 1989.
Dailey served with distinction during his 29-year naval career during which he served aboard ship, in the Pentagon, at Naval War Colleges and, most notably, as a helicopter pilot. The pinnacle of John's naval career came in 1991 when he assumed command of Helicopter Squadron H-2, based at NAS Norfolk. As Officer-in-Charge of Detachment, John led the Squadron in Theater during the Gulf War. John thoroughly embraced his service in the U.S. Navy and was in large part defined by all of its rich traditions - honor, integrity, courage, and leadership.
Upon his retirement, John embarked on a career as a writer, which had long been a dream of his. John published many book reviews and articles and ultimately established a successful business as a freelance writer in Virginia Beach. A poet at heart, John loved moving people to action, thought and emotion through the power of the written word and he touched many in this capacity. John faced his illness in the manner he faced life itself with steely determination and unyielding good cheer.
Captain John L. Dailey Jr., age 61, passed away in Virginia Beach, VA, on 20 March 2012, after an extended battle with cancer.
John was preceded in death by his loving parents - Mercedes and John L. Dailey Sr.
He is survived by his wife Kimberly, his three children Christopher, Catherine, and Kara and his stepson Taylor Gustafson. John is also survived by his three brothers Michael Dailey and his wife Susan, Kevin Dailey and his wife Barbara, and James Dailey.
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