Richard "Rick" Dailey's Obituary
Richard Michael Dailey of Oakland for 50+ years and San Leandro, CA, died peacefully on August 16, 2025. He was 81. Rick was an easygoing and positive person, loved by all who knew him. He greeted everyone with a smile, followed by a thoughtful question, a listening ear, and an ability to make others laugh. His love of people, service, diverse culture, and music knew no bounds.
Rick was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and grew up in Springville and Viola, Iowa. He graduated from Anamosa High School and earned his B.A. in History from the University of Iowa.
Following university, he worked in retail at Things Things and Things in Iowa City, So to Speak in Oxford, OH, and GNC in Michigan. Later, he moved to California and became the store manager of Berkeley Natural Grocery Company, where he worked for 36 years. Rick enjoyed the community and humbly encouraged the founders to become active members of the Non-GMO Project, which they did. He took a brief three-year break to live in Maui. He loved Hawaiian culture and cherished his relationship with his two godsons.
Rick was an avid swimmer, runner, and wellness enthusiast. He liked driving VW Bugs and was a devoted cat parent. His dedication to communities included being an engaged member of Glide United Methodist Church for over 25 years, AA for more than 40 years, and local recreation groups.
Rick was preceded in death by his parents, Ellen and Ivan Dailey; brother Stephen Dailey; sister Sharon Dailey; friend and former wife, Marylou (Niles) Benjamin.
He is survived by an inner circle of close friends, godsons Kaualii and Kamoii, his sister-in-law, Judith Dailey; two nieces, Elaine (John) Mattingly and Cynthia Corne (Bob) Musslewhite; two nephews, Aaron (Abby-Jaye) Larson and Brian (Katie) Larson; as well as two great-nieces and three great-nephews.
A casual celebration of Rick’s life will be held on September 10, 2025, from 2–4:30 p.m. in the Julia Morgan Chapel at Chapel of the Chimes in Oakland, CA. His burial will be in the near future at Jordan’s Grove Cemetery in Linn County, Iowa.
Donations in Rick Dailey’s name may be made to East Bay SPCA, public television, or the charity of your choice.
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