West Hartford GOP Chair Dead At 59: WeHa Republicans

WEST HARTFORD, CT — Shawn W. Daly, chairman of the West Hartford Republican Town Committee and a longtime community volunteer, has died at the age of 59, the town committee announced Friday.

"It is with profound sadness that the Republican Town Committee of West Hartford announces the passing of our chairman, Shawn W. Daly," the committee said in a statement posted on Facebook.

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The committee said Daly is survived by his wife, Eileen, and daughter, Shannon. Funeral arrangements and an obituary will be announced when they become available.

"We offer our deepest condolences to his family, friends, loved ones, and all of those who have been impacted by the work he has done for the community," the statement said. "May Shawn's memory be a blessing."

A West Hartford resident for more than 50 years, Daly served as chairman of the West Hartford Republican Town Committee while also maintaining an extensive record of civic involvement. He was elected GOP chief this past March.

Professionally, Daly was Head of Group Retirement Experience and Product Management for MML Investors Services LLC, a MassMutual-owned broker-dealer and financial services firm.

He graduated from Conard High School, earned a bachelor's degree in English from the University of Connecticut, and later received an MBA in Managing in the Global Economy from Excelsior University in Albany, N.Y.

Beyond his political role, Daly served on the West Hartford Parks & Recreation Advisory Board and was president of the West Hartford Girls Basketball League.

He previously served on the board of directors for the West Hartford Girls Soccer League as juniors division supervisor and spent more than 20 years on the Tournament Executive Committee for the Travelers Championship, the PGA Tour event that raises millions of dollars annually for Connecticut charities.

Daly also served as vice chairman of the West Hartford Environmental & Conservation Commission, was a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus, and was a former Jaycee chapter and foundation board member as well as a Jaycee Statesman.

No cause of death was announced.

Former West Hartford Town Council member Mary Fay, who served four terms on the town's top elected body, posted on Facebook that she was "very sad and sorry" to learn of Daly's passing.

"I knew Shawn as a neighbor well before politics. Our kids went to Morley, and I often chatted with Eileen or Shawn while we took our kids to the bus stop," Fay wrote.

"One day at the bus stop, after my first election to town council in 2017, Shawn inquired how he could get involved. I brought him to a WHRTC meeting, and the rest is history. RIP Shawn. My prayers and sincere condolences to Eileen, Shannon, and all loved ones. I’m truly sorry for your loss."