Michael "Mick" Daly

Michael R. Daly

April 30, 1953 - September 19, 2025

Michael “Mick” Daly passed away on September 19th, surrounded by family, after a courageous battle with cancer. 

Born in Indianapolis, Mick and his family moved to Madison in 1961, where he then stayed. Mick was a proud graduate of Madison Memorial High School (1971) and later the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire where he made many close friends who remained an important part of his life.

Mick was previously married to Mary Daly and later Jacquelynn Rothstein. He valued the time and experiences they shared and in his final months, Mary provided compassionate care and support, for which the family is deeply grateful. 

Most importantly, Mick considered himself a “lucky” father to his three children, Meghan (lovebug), Conor (bonehead), and Ben (Benny).  He often spoke of his children’s accomplishments with joy and enjoyed spending time with them well into adulthood. His children will remember him for his one-liners, quirky nicknames, and fun personality.

Mick was a man of many passions - he loved spending time on the golf course, working through a good puzzle, and watching movies - often sharing recommendations with family and friends. His love of reading and deep appreciation for history reflected his curious mind. Most notably, Mick was a devoted football fan. Saturdays were for Notre Dame, Sundays for the Packers - and he never missed a game. His knowledge and enthusiasm of the game was passed down to all of his kids.

His Irish heritage was a source of pride, reflected in the stories he loved to share about his visits to Ireland, his trips to Boston, and St Patrick’s Day celebrations with family.  

After retiring from the Wisconsin Department of Regulation and Licensing in 2018, Mick embraced the slow pace of retirement. He often said, “Every day is Saturday, except when it’s Sunday”, and truly lived by that motto - never in a rush, always present.

Mick’s humor, quick wit, and carefree spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His legacy lives on in the stories shared, the laughs remembered, and the quiet wisdom he offered so generously.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the many nurses and medical professionals who cared for Mick over the past year. He shared that nurses were “angels of mercy and the best people out there.” He was also lovingly cared for by all three of his children, with Ben providing daily support as his live-in caregiver. 

Mick is survived by his daughter Meghan Daly; sons Conor [Taylor] Daly and Benjamin Daly; mother Carole Daly; sisters Pamela [Patrick] Welty and Jessica LaRocque; nieces, nephew; beloved animals Finnegan and Shelby; and countless friends. He was preceded in death by his daughter Bridget Daly and father Robert Daly.

A memorial service will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at Ryan Funeral Home, 2418 N. Sherman Avenue, Madison. Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service on Thursday at the funeral home. A Celebration of Life will immediately follow at Erin’s Snug Irish Pub, 4601 American Pkwy, Madison from 4:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Please join us as we raise a toast to Mick. 

In lieu of flowers the family invites donations to a charitable organization that will be selected in Mick’s honor. 

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.