Dan Tarpey Passes Away - a sad day for Boston Baseball!

Al Thomas (left) pictured with his Best Friend - Big Dan Tarpey

at the 2007 Thomas A. Yawkey Baseball League Hall of Fame Banquet

DAN TARPEY PASSES AWAY TODAY

It is with deep regret and sadness that I inform you of the passing of the Father of the Thomas A. Yawkey Baseball League of Boston.




Commissioner Dan Tarpey entered into rest this morning at 1:30AM.




Dan was surrounded by his entire family at his son Dan's Residence in Cohasset, MA. He is at peace now and his suffering is over.




Our good friend did so much to nurture us as sportsman in the Yawkey League over the years. I am so proud to have been a friend of his and know how much he loved all of you and your players.




Many men younger than Dan had him as a solid a true role model. He was gentle and kind. BUT - he would put you in your place when he thought the time was ripe.




I loved Dan so much. He paid particular attention to me and my team over the years. He knew the gritty inner-city kids I dealt with and tried to straighten out. Every night when he came to the game he would be careful not to spend too much time with us without strolling over to the other side. No favorites with Big Dan. He loved everyone.




Oh - how I am going to miss those visits. How I am going to miss the stories he would tell and the wry humor he espoused.




Dan Tarpey was the best of the Irish Americans. He kept his faith until the end. He raised a vast and wonderful family.




I am sad for those young men who come into our League who will never have the benefit of knowing one of the greatest men I ever knew. He could have lunch at the Erie with his Crew. Pay a visit to a Mayor, Council Person or Congressman in the afternoon and rub elbows with big business leaders.




BUT, his place was at home - being a father and grand father. Dan always made time for the Yawkey League. He was there until the end. His last game was the Play In Game: West Roxbury v McKay Club game at Ronan Park in mid August. He was frail but still himself.




I am going to be lost with out him. He tempered me better than anyone. Telling me when he thought I went too far and encourage me to move forward with a good idea or sanction.



In all, Greater Boston will be an empty place without Dan Tarpey. I called Boston City Council President Maureen Feeney when I found out the news. She loved Dan so much and said how proud she was to share the Opening Ceremony of our Militray All Star Game with Big Dan.



Dan is at home now in a place that would resemble the spot he loved so much Ireland.





There are trumpets sounding up above today welcoming a TRUE GENTLEMAN. One of the best men who ever walked this earth Dan Tarpey.




Complete details about Dan's wake and funeral:

Wake at the Al Thomas Funeral Home in East Milton Square - 3PM to 8PM on Monday, February 4th.

Funeral Mass of the Resurection will take place at Saint Elizabeth Church in Milton - 10AM on Tuesday, February 5th - 10AM.


We love you Dan and will miss you so much!




Respectfully,


David J. McKay President - Thomas A. Yawkey Baseball League

DEATH NOTICE - FROM PATRIOT LEDGER

Daniel F. Tarpey

Milton Daniel F. Tarpey, a 50 year resident of Milton, passed away at his sons home in Cohasset on Friday, February 1. He was born and raised in Boston and graduated from English High School before serving in the Navy during WWII. After graduating from St. Michaels College in 1952, Dan began his 30 Year Boston Public School Teaching Career in Charlestown. He was subsequently appointed to the Faculty at English High School where he spent the bulk of his teaching career. While at English, Dan coached the Swim Team to many city and regional championships. In 1964, the English High School Swim Team won the State Championship, becoming the only Boston Public High School to ever gain that distinction. Many of Dans Swimmers went on to enjoy success while competing at the collegiate level. Additionally for many years, Dan umpired Baseball and Officiated Football at the High School and Collegiate level. He particularly loved Baseball and, in partnership with his friend the late Bill Stewart, helped to develop the Yawkey Baseball League into one of the pre-eminent amateur baseball leagues in New England. At the time of his passing, Dan was serving as the Leagues Commissioner. He was a proud member of the Boston English H. S. Hall of Fame, and the MA Swim Coaches Hall of Fame, as well as the Yawkey League and Kiwanis Halls of Fame. Dan worked tirelessly throughout his life in support of his Alma Mater, St. Michaels College, and was named Alumnus of the Year in 1971. He was the founder & former owner of the Irish Cottage Stores, as well as the founder and late owner of Celtic Monument Co., Milton. Dan was also a late member of the Milton Post #114, A.L., and the McKeon Post, Dorchester. Also, as bespeaks his tremendous pride in his Irish Heritage, Dan was a member the Irish American Veterans and the Donegal Association and actively supported the charitable and civic improvement efforts of the Greater Boston Irish Community. The beloved husband of the late Mary T. (McDonough) Tarpey, he is survived by his devoted children; Daniel F., Jr. of Cohasset, John J., Esq. of Scituate, Michael C., Paul G, and Kevin A. Tarpey, both of Cohasset, his brother Frederick J. Tarpey of Milton, 10 loving grandchildren and his dear friend, Della Costello of Dorchester. He was the loving father of the late Joan M. Tarpey Skinner and brother of the late Mary E. Betty Flaherty. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Elizabeth Church, Milton, Tuesday at 10AM. Visiting hours will be held at the Alfred D. Thomas Funeral Home, 326 Granite Ave., Milton, Mon. 3 to 8PM. Interment will be at Milton Cemetery. In lieu of flowers expressions of sympathy may be made to the Mary T. Tarpey Scholarship Fund, St. Michaels College, One Winooski Park, Colchester, VT 05439. Alfred D. Thomas Funeral Home Milton (617) 696-4200Published in The Patriot Ledger from 2/2/2008 - 2/4/2008.
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