Richard "Dick" Dailey

1944 - 2022

Richard "Dick" Dailey, 77, of St. Petersburg passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 12, 2022, while vacationing with his wife in California. Born in Latrobe, PA in 1944, he was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Juliet Dailey. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Nancy Dailey, their 4 children; Christopher Dailey (Sheri), Cheryl Dailey Cyr (Andy), Cara Dailey Bridge (Jay) Curt Dailey (fiancé Kelsey Smith), and their 7 grandchildren: Jackson Dailey; Ava, Callie and Kinsey Cyr; Emrie, Camden and Bodie Bridge. He is also survived by his sisters; Diane Torockio (Franklin) and Susan Payne (Kenny).

Dick earned a degree in media from University of Cincinnati's College Conservatory of Music where he met his wife, Nancy. They married in August of 1967. He taught English at Citrus High School and then was appointed Educational Television Coordinator for the school system. They moved to St. Petersburg in 1971 and he became the Marketing/Public Relations Director for the City of St. Petersburg from 1971-76. He created the Mr. Sparkle character which remains on city sanitation trucks today. In 1976 he moved to the same position for Pinellas County. In 1978, he became the Director of Marketing and Programming for WTOG-TV where he worked for 10 years before opening his own advertising agency, located in downtown St. Petersburg; Dailey Communications, where he continued to love working until his passing.

Dick's passion had always been Tampa Bay area sports. He was integral in bringing the mixed PGA and LPGA tournament, the JCPenney Classic, to Tampa Bay, which has since evolved to become the current Valspar Championship. He remained active in the event through his death, serving on the board for 40 years and as General Chairman for 2 years. He helped to create and present the pitch to bring Major League Baseball to St. Petersburg. Over the years, he was involved in many projects for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Lightning.

Dick was active in city affairs in St. Petersburg, including chairman of the St. Petersburg Arts Council, chairman of the re-opening of the Mahaffey Theater, and chairman of opening day of Tropicana Field. He was also active in the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce, Northeast Exchange Club, Suncoasters of St. Petersburg, the Golden Triangle Association, Vinoy Club, and First Tee St. Petersburg.

Dick and Nancy shared their time between their home in St. Petersburg and their home in Homosassa, FL where they enjoyed their weekends gardening, entertaining family and friends, dining out, and attending Mason Creek Yacht Club social events.

Dick was a member of the Floral City United Methodist Church choir and was a trustee on the board. He was an active bromeliad collector and cultivator and served as President of the Florida West Coast Bromeliad Society.

Dailey's hobbies included gardening, golfing, boating, fishing, and was proud to have attended The Masters 13 times. He loved being the life of the party, was always ready with a joke or a funny story, and greatly cherished his time with his grandchildren.

Services will be held at: Lutheran Church of the Cross 4544 Chancellor St. NE in St. Petersburg on Thursday, February 24th at 5:30 pm with a light reception to follow, with a second service at Floral City United Methodist Church 8478 E Marvin Street in Floral City, FL on Monday, February 28th at 10:30am.