Shawn Daly, who has chaired West Hartford’s RTC since 2021, passed away on Thursday. [Updated]

By Ronni Newton

West Hartford Republican Town Committee Chairman Shawn W. Daly died on July 16, 2026, at age 59.

“It is with profound sadness that the Republican Town Committee of West Hartford announces the passing of our chairman, Shawn W. Daly. Chairman Daly is survived by his wife, Eileen, and his daughter, Shannon,” stated a message posted to the West Hartford GOP Facebook page on Friday afternoon.

Within an hour, there were dozens of comments, offering condolences and expressing gratitude for his service to the community.

“Shawn and I came from very different places politically, but were able to find much common ground a year ago as we got to know each other. He was integral in my being able to join the West Hartford Town Council,” said West Hartford Town Council Minority Leader John Lyons.

“He was a good friend and important political mentor to me,” Lyons added. “I send my deepest condolences to Eileen and Shannon as well as the entire RTC for this tremendous loss.”

“Shawn was not only our chairman, but the rock of the West Hartford RTC,” said Kyle Zelazny, vice chair of the Republican Town Committee. “This is an unimaginable tragedy. He was one of the reasons so many of us became involved – and remained involved – in local politics. He was always fair, a voice of reason, and a source of unity. He was not just our leader, but a mentor, a friend, and a truly remarkable man,” he said.

“Shawn left an indelible mark on our organization and on the town he cared so deeply about. His leadership, dedication, and friendship will never be forgotten, and we will work to carry forward the example he set. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones and will continue to keep them in our thoughts during this incredibly difficult time. He will be sorely missed,” Zelazny said.

“I was saddened to learn of Shawn Daly’s passing,” Mayor Shari Cantor said. “I always appreciated his thoughtful approach and his genuine commitment to West Hartford. We didn’t always agree, but he was respectful, constructive, and grounded in a desire to do what was best for our town,” she said.

“Serving in public life requires dedication, and Shawn gave his time and energy to causes he believed in and to the residents he represented. I extend my sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all those in the West Hartford Republican Town Committee who are mourning his loss,” Cantor said.

According to his biography on the RTC website, Daly lived in West Hartford for more than five decades, and worked as Head of Group Retirement Experience and Product Management for MML Investors Services, LLC, a broker/dealer, financial services firm wholly owned by MassMutual.

A graduate of West Hartford’s Conard High School, Daly earned a BA in English from UConn and an MBA from Excelsior University in Albany, NY, focused on managing in the global economy.

In addition to chairing the Republican Town Committee, a role he held since 2021, Daly was actively involved as a volunteer with multiple local nonprofit and civic organizations, including as a member of West Hartford’s Parks & Recreation Advisory Board and as president of the West Hartford Girls Basketball League. He was a Fourth Degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus, and previously served on the Board of the West Hartford Girls Soccer League, Tournament Executive Committee for The Travelers Championship, and as a member of West Hartford’s Environmental & Conservation Commission. He was also a former Jaycee Chapter and Foundation Board member and a Jaycee Statesman.

“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 Republican Town Committee posted, noting that funeral arrangements and a formal obituary are pending.

The West Hartford DTC also issued the statement, which was posted on Facebook on Friday afternoon: “The West Hartford Democratic Town Committee extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Shawn Daly, who served as Chair of the West Hartford Republican Town Committee. Shawn gave his time and energy to this community in many different ways, and that commitment transcends party lines. Our thoughts are with all who knew and loved him during this difficult time.”

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, July 23, from 4-7 p.m. at Sheehan-Hilborn Funeral Home, 1084 New Britain Avenue, West Hartford. The funeral will be Saturday, July 25, beginning at 10:30 a.m. at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 872 Farmington Avenue, West Hartford. Burial will be private. More details can be found here.

RTC Chair Shawn Daly. West Hartford RTC candlelight vigil for Charlie Kirk. Sept. 15, 2025. Photo credit: Ronni Newton (we-ha.com file photo)

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