Daniel J. Foley

Daniel J. Foley, 88, former Massachusetts Senate Majority Leader, died Friday, December 11th at his home. He is survived by his wife, Dolores; three sons, Daniel J. Jr. and wife Deborah, Timothy J. and wife Karen, Patrick B. and wife Linda; a daughter, Kathleen J.; five grandsons, James Daniel, Michael, Matthew, Brian and Tyler all of Worcester. He also leaves two sisters, Mary Gray and Kathleen Sargent, and a brother, Joseph Foley. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. His wife of 47 years, Kathleen E. (Walsh) predeceased him, as did two brothers, John and Francis Foley and a sister, Helen Buma.

Mr. Foley was the son of the late Timothy and Catherine (McMahon) Foley. A life-long resident of Worcester, Mr. Foley began his public service career in 1963 when he was elected to the Worcester City Council. He served on the council for six years, including two as Vice Mayor. In 1968, he was elected to the Massachusetts Senate. In 1979, he was appointed Senate Majority Leader, becoming the first person from Central Massachusetts ever to hold this distinguished post. In this capacity, he promoted an active role for government, especially when it came to serving the poor and the needy.

Prior to entering the Senate, Mr. Foley worked as an international representative for the Insurance Workers International Union (AFL-CIO) and the John Hancock Insurance Company. During his sixteen year career in the Senate, Senator Foley proved himself a signal friend of working men and women. His landmark legislation which guaranteed health insurance coverage for the alcoholic, new-born babies, and the mentally ill are examples of his staunch concern for the less fortunate in our society. His leadership was also instrumental in the passage of the Nursing Home Resident Protection Law, the Public Retirees/Pensions law, the Comprehensive Housing and Health Insurance Acts and the Massachusetts Fuel Assistance Program.

Other of Senator Foley's legislative accomplishments include obtaining a $10.6 million state grant to build the Worcester Centrum, placing the University of Massachusetts Medical School in Worcester, authoring legislation which developed the Bio-Medical Park and the Tufts New England Veterinary School in Grafton. In retirement, Senator Foley was involved in a number of civic and charitable causes, most notably the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and the Retired State, County and Municipal Association, of which he was Vice President. He was a member of the American Legion (Past Commander), the Disabled American Veterans (life member), the VFW (life member), the Emerald Club, Ancient Order of Hibernians, the Knights of Columbus (Fourth Degree) and the Board of Trustees of Anna Maria College. Mr. Foley received numerous honors and awards from such organizations as Worcester State College, The Mass Bar Association, the Mass Association for Mental Health, the Mass Police Chiefs Association, the New England Small Businessmen's Association, Quinsigamond Community College, the Democratic Committee and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Mr. Foley graduated from St. Stephen's High School and the University of Massachusetts. He is a Veteran of World War II, serving in the US Naval Air Corps.

The family wishes to acknowledge the loving care given to Mr. Foley by Michael Cates, Deb Gemme, Rose Williamson, and especially Valerie Jenson. The funeral will be held Thursday, Dec. 17 from the Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster St., with a Mass at 11 a.m, in St. Stephen's Church, 357 Grafton Street. Burial will be in St. John's Cemetery. Calling hours at the funeral home are 3 to 8 p.m, Wednesday. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 220 North Main St., Suite 104, Natick, 01760.