Richard Joseph Daley (May 15, 1902 – December 20, 1976) was an American politician who served for 21 years as the mayor of Chicago. He was one of the biggest bosses of the Democratic Party in the United States. At his time while being the mayor, he was one of the most well-known Irish-Americans. His son, Richard M. Daley was also the mayor of Chicago for 22 years. He is also the father of William M. Daley.