Terrance John Daly

Terrance John Daly died peacefully of natural causes. Born in Honolulu, Hawaii to Thomas and Mary Daly, he was the third of five children and lived most of his life in San Diego, CA. Terry was an avid athlete growing up in Chula Vista, playing baseball and basketball for Marion Catholic High School (‘68), where he also excelled in academics and extracurriculars, serving as ASB President. He left home after two years at Southwestern College to finish his undergraduate degree at UC Santa Barbara (‘72), where he earned a bachelor's in Political Science. It was there he met his wife Rachel, and together they moved to San Diego to finish their degrees and start a family. With his Master's in Public Administration from SDSU (‘74), he began a career with the County of San Diego, first in Program Evaluation, then Management and Budget, followed by Human Resources, where he spent many years as a labor negotiator. He then retired after several years with the District Attorney as Chief Administrative Officer. Terry was a dedicated public servant throughout his life, also volunteering his time with the Kiwanis Club, OMBAC, and other service organizations supporting the community. In recognition of his outstanding service, leadership and commitment to area residents, March 17, 2004 was proclaimed “Terrance J Daly Day” throughout San Diego County by the San Diego County Board of Supervisors.

After ten years living in Normal Heights, the family moved to Rancho San Diego, where he and Rachel raised four sons. Outside of work, he stayed very active, coaching youth sports in different organizations, including Valhalla High School, RSD Little League, YMCA basketball, and Los Amigos soccer and basketball. He also loved playing golf with friends and implementing creative interpretations of the rules.

Terry had incredible musical talent, with a strong singing voice and the ability to play several stringed instruments. He focused his love of music with neighbors and friends, celebrating coworkers' achievements and performing with various bands. His band, The Shamrockers, brought together lifelong friends and his sons to annually celebrate St. Patrick’s Day as a mainstay in the San Diego St. Patrick’s Day Parade, festivals, and in other clubs and venues.

Terry was a wonderful son, brother, husband, father, friend, and coach. He will be forever loved and remembered by his friends and family. He is survived by his wife Rachel and sons Kevin (Jen), Brendan (Sunny), Michael (Julia), and Sean (Carly); five grandchildren, Patrick, Rose, Finn, Nola, and Rowan; as well as his siblings Mary Jo (George), Jim (Donna), and Mark (Lynn). His brother Tim (Mary) passed away in 2021.

Never one to let the microphone pass without the last word, Terry possessed uncanny wit, wisdom, and a sense of humor. He was a jokester and storyteller who embraced his Irish heritage and gift of gab. A musician, humorist, civil servant—he would remark these were three careers, none of them lucrative. A master of melody, mischief, and mild bureaucracy, Terry played life by ear and still managed to keep it in tune. He spent years making music, cracking jokes, and filling out forms no one ever read. He loved a good pint, a great story, and turned “Ask your mother” into an art form. If Heaven has a house band, they’ve just gained a damn fine frontman. Raise a glass, tell a tale, play a tune, and remember: if you’re not laughing, you’re not doing it right.

A Celebration of Life for Terry will be held on June 9 in San Diego, CA.

You are invited to share favorite memories of Terry, photos, videos or a song selection that reminds us of the leader of the band.