Brian Lawrence Daly, 60, of Bowling Green, Ohio passed away on Wednesday June 19, 2024, after a long illness.
He was born on April 21, 1964, to Lawrence and Jean (Rybolt) Daly in Evanston, Illinois.
Brian graduated from Bowling Green High School in 1982. He went on to receive his bachelor’s in history from Bowling Green State University and a master’s degree in military history from the University of West Georgia. Upon receiving his master’s degree, he soon enrolled in the John Marshall Law School in Atlanta Georgia, where he graduated with his Juris Doctor law degree – all while working full-time at a bar and restaurant he co-owned, the Acme Bar and Grill in Buckhead, Georgia. Upon graduation, Brian moved to Savannah, Georgia where he started a private law practice devoted to criminal defense.
Brian worked tirelessly as a distinguished criminal defense attorney, ensuring that each of his clients received the very best defense regardless of their economic circumstances. His criminal defense skills were showcased on Court TV and his clients appreciated his devotion and advocacy. Even when some clients could not afford the legal costs, Brian took on their cases with a zeal, intellect and compassion that reflected his Catholic upbringing and education at St Aloysius Catholic School in Bowling Green, Ohio. Brian’s legal work included pro bono work for the SAFE Shelter in Savannah, for those experiencing domestic violence. He was a member of the Georgia State Bar Association, St. Michael’s Catholic Church on Tybee Island, Georgia, and St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Bowling Green, Ohio.
Outside of work, Brian enjoyed all the things outdoors. He loved kayaking, canoeing, skiing, camping, mountain biking and hiking. Brian hiked nearly all the Appalachian Trail as a solo excursion, with a trail name of Shorty, in honor of his grandfather, Frank “Shorty” Daly. Brian was also a serious military history buff, having visited many Civil War battlefields and impressed his friends with his vast military knowledge. Music was also a constant in Brian’s life. He had an ear for the very best up and coming artists and loved attending live concerts covering just about every musical genre. Brian was known for making people laugh and being the life of the party.
Above all else, Brian loved his children, Michael and Elizabeth, and was beyond proud of their personal and professional accomplishments as they entered adulthood. Any time their names were mentioned, Brian’s eyes lit up with pride and love.
He will be missed dearly by his children, sisters, parents, extended family, work colleagues, and huge network of friends.
Along with his parents Lawrence and Jean Daly, Brian is survived by son Michael Quinn Daly of Savannah, Georgia, daughter Elizabeth Catherine Daly of Savannah, Georgia; sisters Beth Daly of Barnesville, Maryland, Kathleen Daly Kline of Culver, Indiana, and Susan Daly Vinal of Potomac, Maryland; and former wife Susan Daly of Savannah, Georgia.
Memorial contributions may be given to the Equal Justice Initiative of Montgomery, Alabama, in honor of Brian’s lifelong work to ensure that everyone, regardless of race, class or income, receives the very best defense that this country’s legal system offers. To donate, you can go online to https://eji.org; or by check, please mail to 122 Commerce St., Montgomery, Alabama 36104. Please include your email address and full mailing address with check made out to Equal Justice Initiative and include Brian Daly.
A visitation will be held on Sunday, June 23, 2024, from 2-5:00 p.m. at Dunn Funeral Home located in the Historical District of Bowling Green, Ohio at 408 W. Wooster Street.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, June 24, 2024, at 10 a.m. at St. Aloysius Catholic Church, located at 150 S. Enterprise Street in Bowling Green, Ohio. Father Tom McQuillen will officiate.
