Kevin J. Daly, 53, retired L&I supervisor, dies

Kevin J. Daly, 53, of Manayunk, a retired supervisor at the Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections, died Saturday, July 16, at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital of complications of a stroke.

After a stroke in January 2010, Mr. Daly, head of L&I's Nuisance Task Force, retired a few months later, family members said. He joined L&I in 1994, and before that had been a mechanical engineer working for Bennett Levin Inc., an engineering firm.

Mr. Daly joined L&I after Bennett Levin was named commissioner in the early 1990s, officials said.

Earlier in his career, Mr. Daly served as head of mechanical services for L&I. He later joined the Nuisance Task Force, which worked with law enforcement monitoring nuisance bars, homes, and other properties used in drug sales and other criminal activity.

Mr. Daly, who was born and raised in South Philadelphia, was a graduate of Bishop Neumann High School, relatives said. He earned an associate's degree from the Philadelphia Institute of Technology, officials said.

His wife of 27 years, the former Ellen Divine, a controller for the former Eastern Ski Tours in Philadelphia, died in 2001, relatives said.

Mr. Daly enjoyed playing golf, skiing in Upstate New York, cooking for his family, and trips to Cape May and Wildwood, said his sister-in-law, Maggie Devine Pennock. Mr. Daly also worked part-time as a manager for Eastern Ski Tours, she said.

He played drums and guitar, and performed with local rock groups during his teen years, his sister-in-law said.

In addition to his sister-in-law, Mr. Daly is survived by his fiancée, Kathie DuBeck; sons Kevin P. and John C.; daughters Shannon and Colleen; and a sister.

A viewing will begin at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 20, at Murphy-Ruffenach Funeral Home, Third and Wolf Streets. A Funeral Mass will be at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church, Third and Wolf. Burial will be private.