Richard Foley

Richard "Dick" Foley, Jr., 71, of Danbury CT, passed away at his home on January 2. The son of the late Florence and Richard Foley Sr., Dick was a Naugatuck native. A prominent Republican political figure in Connecticut, Foley's career spanned five decades. His influence was felt by hundreds of candidates, extending across political parties. Dick leaves his daughter, of whom he was most proud, Lauren Anne Niles, and her husband, Justin C. Niles. He was predeceased by his brother, Kevin Foley. Dick attended Naugatuck High School and then graduated from Milford Academy, studied at Hofstra University and later graduated from Post College. He had a natural gift of conversation at an early age and took an avid interest in politics. Dick joined the Young Republicans, while beginning a career in sales at NuTone-Scovill Home Appliances and Fixtures. In 1970, he joined the gubernatorial campaign of then Congressman Thomas Meskill, of New Britain. There he began learning the craft of retail and ethnic politics from Meskill's campaign chairman, J. Brian Gaffney. Dick became part of a famed group of young political activists- the Kiddie Korps- who helped propel Meskill to the Governor's mansion. Dick maintained his love of politics at all levels; as a member of his local town committee, and the Republican State Central Committee. He moved to Oxford in 1978, and in 1982, successfully ran as the GOP candidate for the newly drawn 131st seat in the State House, representing Oxford and surrounding towns. After the 1984 landslide victory led by Ronald Reagan, Dick found himself in the majority, as an Assistant Majority Leader. He was always good at counting votes, in his caucus, at nominating conventions and in the general Election. Dick quickly rose among the legislative leadership ranks, making new allies and exploring new ways of communicating with voters. He owned an inexhaustible supply of physical and mental energy, as well as a phenomenal memory and the quickest wit around. His stock response when asked how he was: "Having a ball". No matter the situation, he was quick to crack a joke. After the Republicans were trounced in the 1986 statewide elections, Dick began to plan his run for state Republican Party Chairman. In early 1987, the current chairman announced his resignation, sparking a furious contest. Dick came up short to Robert Poliner, a Durham lawyer. But, in 1989, Dick returned, won the Chairman's gavel, serving until his resignation in 1992, while facing federal charges. Those charges were eventually overturned on appeal. Undeterred, Foley started his own political consulting and lobbying firm- The Prince Group- named after the famed 16th century political treatise written by Niccolò Machiavelli, but with a characteristic twist: "Don't consider me a Renaissance Man." Dick repeatedly guided candidates to win improbable victories: Heather Somers winning the Lt. Governor primary in 2014, Steve Obsitnik qualifying for the Gubernatorial primary in 2018, and of course, Sen. John McCain's Presidential primary win in Connecticut in 2000. It was during the McCain effort, where he joined hands with his old foe, Poliner, that they worked together to pull off the upset. Foley would then attend the Republican National Convention in 2000, and serve on the Credentials Committee. He advised some candidates for pay, many for nothing, on countless other campaigns across the state and in Rhode Island. In 2019, to celebrate his 70th, Dick traveled with his daughter and son-in-law to fulfill a lifelong desire to see "the homeland", Ireland. He enjoyed the sights, not the climate, raised some pints while watching Gaelic football, and even educated an unsuspecting Belfast bartender on "a proper pour of whiskey". He asserted, "I know what a pour should look like. I've been drinking whiskey longer than you've been alive!". There were few people who had the knowledge and experience, in any profession, than Dick Foley did in politics. He often remarked that in politics, "friends are few, and enemies accumulate." Regardless, he was rich with friends- Democrats and Republicans, young or old- who reveled in long phone calls filled with tall tales, bawdy jokes, grand ideas, or simple observations of the affairs at hand. His family and friends are devastated by his passing, but know that Dick is still out there, looking for the right candidate, and figuring out a way to get them on top. A memorial service will be announced later in the year. Stories will be told among those who knew him and as Dick would want, there will be plenty of cigars and scotch to go around.