Donald "Tonto" Dailey Jr.

The sun set on Donald “Tonto” Dailey Jr. aka Kayode,75, of Pawtucket, RI on Wednesday December 11th, 2024. Born in Providence, Tonto was the son of the late Donald and Ruth L. “Vinnie” (Baker) Dailey. He leaves behind his son Yusuf Rashid and wife Eva and 3 grandchildren Andrew, Kevin, and Vanessa Rashid all of Rancho Cucamonga, CA.

Besides his children and grandchildren, Tonto leaves to cherish his memory two sisters, Vanessa J. Dailey-Harris and her. husband John of Providence, RI, Tonette L. Dailey of Cranston, RI, and a brother Wayne L. Dailey of Lexington, KY. He was the brother of the late Donna J. Dailey-Abdullah, Marsha E. McDowell, Terri L. and Todd R. Dailey. He also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

Tonto grew up in Codding Court on the west side of Providence and was a graduate of Hope High School. Tonto was known for his writings and poetry and loved to talk about his deep love for Yashua. He performed numerous poetry readings throughout the state with the troupe “Kujichagulia”. He then later moved to Chicago where he went to the schools during Kwanza teaching the children about the meaning of the holiday.  He loved to tote around his walking stick while also never forgetting to wear his favorite Eskimo boots. When it came time for the holidays Tonto could outeat the biggest men in the family and was never scared to ask for more as growing up in the Dailey household, you were going to eat all food that Ma Dailey served. He had a deep love for his family and had a profound impact on everyone who knew him. His generosity, poetry, writings, and humor will never be forgotten.

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