Joe Dailey passed unexpectedly on New Year's Day, 2026. He was preceded in death by his father Joseph Charles Dailey, and mother Patricia Dailey. He is survived by his partner, Susan Martinovich, and his sister Sharon Dailey Steinmetz, her husband Steve, and their children, Jaime and Gavin.
Joe was born August 27, 1960 in Chicago, Illinois but spent his formative years in Columbus, Ohio. It was there he learned to love the Cleveland Indians/Guardians, and the Browns.
Joe graduated St. Charles Preparatory High School in 1978, attended college at Ohio State University, where he earned a degree in Computer Science. He earned a second bachelor's degree at the University of Louisville in Occupational Education, and an MBA in Government Financial Management from Syracuse University.
Joe's career was eclectic but characterized by service. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1982, as an Armored Cavalry Scout. He became a commissioned officer in 1984 and served with the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment stationed in Germany. His service took him to Ft. Knox KY and to Ft. Irwin CA where he was the Logistics Officer (S4) of an Armor Battalion that comprised half of the vaunted Opposing Force (OPFOR). In 1989 he was chosen to command the Garrison's Headquarters Company.
After leaving the military in 1992 he pursued civil service. Over the next 15 years he worked as a Civilian Budget and Program Analyst at various Installations, Major Commands, and both the Army Staff and Secretariat at the Pentagon. He finished his career with the Federal Highway Administration, as Division Administrator for the State of Wyoming.
Joe retired from federal service in 2017, and moved to Carson City, Nevada, to be with his partner, Susan. There, he created his company, Be Better Coaching Services, helping athletes improve their performance. Joe was active with the Silver State Games organization, acting as the President for the Nevada Senior Games.
Throughout his life, Joe was an active athlete and outdoorsman. He was an avid scuba diver and a motorcycle enthusiast, participating in rides through the Appalachians, the Devil's Backbone in Tennessee, and to Sturgis, South Dakota. While living in Alexandria, Joe became a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, becoming the Financial Officer for the Northern Virginia chapter. He loved to spend time cycling and snow skiing when time allowed.
Joe had the inherent talent to make long-lasting connections with friends and family. They remember Joe's sense of humor, his smart-sly glance and deep chuckle, and good advice. Hanging out with Joe was always an event, his sharp wit kept you on your toes and you would feel like a champion if you could get him laughing. He was a wonderful big brother. Words cannot express how much he meant to the people who loved him. We were all better humans for having him in our lives and will miss him terribly.
Joe's loved ones stretch from sea to shining sea. In lieu of a memorial service, on opening day of Major League Baseball this spring raise a glass to Joe and pour a little out for a real one and remember him fondly.
Memorial donations may be offered to Veteran's Guest House (880 Locust St, Reno Nevada 89502), https://www.veteransguesthouse.org/ or another veteran's organization of your choice.
Joe was born August 27, 1960 in Chicago, Illinois but spent his formative years in Columbus, Ohio. It was there he learned to love the Cleveland Indians/Guardians, and the Browns.
Joe graduated St. Charles Preparatory High School in 1978, attended college at Ohio State University, where he earned a degree in Computer Science. He earned a second bachelor's degree at the University of Louisville in Occupational Education, and an MBA in Government Financial Management from Syracuse University.
Joe's career was eclectic but characterized by service. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1982, as an Armored Cavalry Scout. He became a commissioned officer in 1984 and served with the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment stationed in Germany. His service took him to Ft. Knox KY and to Ft. Irwin CA where he was the Logistics Officer (S4) of an Armor Battalion that comprised half of the vaunted Opposing Force (OPFOR). In 1989 he was chosen to command the Garrison's Headquarters Company.
After leaving the military in 1992 he pursued civil service. Over the next 15 years he worked as a Civilian Budget and Program Analyst at various Installations, Major Commands, and both the Army Staff and Secretariat at the Pentagon. He finished his career with the Federal Highway Administration, as Division Administrator for the State of Wyoming.
Joe retired from federal service in 2017, and moved to Carson City, Nevada, to be with his partner, Susan. There, he created his company, Be Better Coaching Services, helping athletes improve their performance. Joe was active with the Silver State Games organization, acting as the President for the Nevada Senior Games.
Throughout his life, Joe was an active athlete and outdoorsman. He was an avid scuba diver and a motorcycle enthusiast, participating in rides through the Appalachians, the Devil's Backbone in Tennessee, and to Sturgis, South Dakota. While living in Alexandria, Joe became a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, becoming the Financial Officer for the Northern Virginia chapter. He loved to spend time cycling and snow skiing when time allowed.
Joe had the inherent talent to make long-lasting connections with friends and family. They remember Joe's sense of humor, his smart-sly glance and deep chuckle, and good advice. Hanging out with Joe was always an event, his sharp wit kept you on your toes and you would feel like a champion if you could get him laughing. He was a wonderful big brother. Words cannot express how much he meant to the people who loved him. We were all better humans for having him in our lives and will miss him terribly.
Joe's loved ones stretch from sea to shining sea. In lieu of a memorial service, on opening day of Major League Baseball this spring raise a glass to Joe and pour a little out for a real one and remember him fondly.
Memorial donations may be offered to Veteran's Guest House (880 Locust St, Reno Nevada 89502), https://www.veteransguesthouse.org/ or another veteran's organization of your choice.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Joseph Sloan Dailey, please visit our flower store.
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