Middlefield First Selectman Edward Bailey Dies At 66

MIDDLEFIELD, CT — Middlefield First Selectman Edward Bailey died Wednesday at the age of 66, his office announced on Thursday.

“On behalf of the Town of Middlefield’s Board of Selectmen, Robert Yamartino and Carol Bufithis, and town staff, it is with profound sadness and grief that we announce that Edward P. Bailey, First Selectman of Middlefield, passed away yesterday,” according to a news release on the town’s website. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and associates.”

Bailey had served as Middlefield’s first selectman since 2015 and was re-elected in November. He also previously served as a member of the Board of Selectman for six years.

“Ed had a passionate love for the Town of Middlefield,” officials wrote in the release. “He helped Middlefield to thrive and improve the lives of all its citizens. A mariner at heart, he navigated our town through many challenges; the great recession, COVID-19 pandemic, always with an optimistic outlook for the future of our town.

“Ed’s dedication to public service extended well beyond the borders of the town of Middlefield. His impact was deeply felt in the Town of Durham and the Regional School District 13 where Ed’s presence always fostered a beneficial shared partnership. He was active in many organizations, boards and commissions throughout the state of Connecticut. Ed’s actions in service to those boards and commissions always had a profound effect.”

Bailey was serving on the following boards and commissions:

• Lower Connecticut River Council of Governments (Secretary)
• Lower CT River Land Trust
• Materials Innovation and Recycling Authority, MIRA (Director)
• Middlesex County Revitalization Commission
• Middlesex Chamber of Commerce
• Plainville-Southington Heath District (Chairman)
• Estuary Transit District
• Water Pollution Control Authority (former Chairman)
• Middlefield Senior Advisory Board
• Middlefield Lions

Selectman Robert Yamartino will assume the duties and responsibilities of the first selectman until the board appoints a replacement.

The Middletown Press reports an emergency meeting has been set for 5 p.m. on Friday to officially appoint Yamartino for a 90-day period. Since Bailey was elected as a Republican, a Republican will need to be appointed to replace him, according to the Press.