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 September 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.

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