October 26, 1956 - October 29, 2025
A proud veteran, Dan served in the United States Navy from 1974 to 1980, assigned to the crew of the USS Cavalla as a radar specialist. He built a distinguished, three-decade career in technology, most recently as a manager on the Engineering Resolution Team (Wireless & Network Management) at Hewlett Packard Enterprise, where he was a valued and devoted colleague.
Deeply committed to his community, Dan was a past president and 20-year member of IAABO Board 208 in Milford, where he trained and mentored new basketball officials. For 34 years, he served the Bellingham Youth Basketball Association, most recently as League Director of Officials, guiding hundreds of high school students—many of whom went on to become patched officials with Board 208. His impact on local basketball and officiating will be felt for years to come.
Family was the heart of Dan’s life. A true sports enthusiast and loyal fan of Boston teams and the UConn Huskies, he also found joy in every kind of competition—from horse racing to the Indy 500. He was a proud Parrot Head who loved Jimmy Buffett (“fins up!”), the family’s resident weather watcher affectionately nicknamed “Doppler Dan,” a parishioner and choir member at St. Blaise Catholic Church, and the longtime organizer of a beloved football pool. He devoted himself to the care and happiness of others, always placing their needs before his own.
Dan will be greatly missed by his wife of 37 years, Eileen; his son Luke Bailey; Joe Tagliaferri (wife Michelle); Courtney Tagliaferri (husband Matt); and his loving grandchildren Joseph and Jackson Tagliaferri. He is survived by his siblings Barbara Kautz, Michelle Hollick, John and Judy Kautz, Gene and Lucille Bailey, Jody and Gary Waldron, David and Karen Bailey, MaryBeth and Ed Dziubinski, and many beloved nieces and nephews. He will join his parents Eugene Bailey, Joan Bailey, and Nancy Bailey; his sisters Patricia Bailey and Barbara “BJ” Bailey; and his brother Mark Bailey.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the compassionate doctors, nurses, and staff at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Dana-Farber (Milford and Boston) for their gentle, dedicated care.
Visitation will be held Sunday, November 2, 2025, from 2–5 p.m. at Buma-Sargeant Funeral Home, 42 Congress St., Milford, MA. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, November 3, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart of Jesus, 187 Hopedale St., Hopedale, MA. Burial will take place Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. at St. James Cemetery, 368 Broad St., Manchester, CT; all are welcome.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dan’s name to Blood Center United.
Mail to: Blood Cancer United, ATTN: Donor Services, PO Box 98011, Washington, DC 20090.
