Our prayers and thoughts go out to Cousin Dan’s family. My father, George Taft MD and his younger brother Larry (I call them the RI Taft’s) were Dan’s first cousins. The RI patriarch Lawrence (Lonnie) was the older brother of Uncle Frank Sr., Dan’s dad.  My dad, who was about 20 yrs. older than Dan and Frank. My Dad George had so much love and respect for his cousins, “the MA Taft’s” led by Frank Sr. and his 3 wonderful children, Frank Jr, Dan, and Susan. My father was so impressed when Dan and his first wife Peggy demonstrated their kindness and courage to invite George (and Connie) with their gaggle of young children to their wedding in Newport, RI.  We kids were so thrilled. Over the years Dan continued his family connections to the RI Taft’s by staying in touch with our sister Dr. Susan Taft Colavecchio while she completed her under and graduate studies in DC.  I remember fondly when I came to DC several times to focus on public policy, Dan and Barbara invited me to dinner. They also visited our Dad several times in RI during his retirement. Our Dad who served in WW II was so proud of  Dan and Frank Jr. military service. Dan’s service later his service to our country 
 with his career in the Office of Management and budget. The last time I saw Dan was at Frank Jr. funeral but he and Barbara stayed in touch through their annual Christmas card. God bless you, Dan, as seen through your dedication to your family and our country. May you now rest in peace and having a great reunion in heaven with your parents and big brother Frank. 
Cynthia Taft Bayerl
Harwich MA

One of my all-time favorite memories of time spent with Dan was a shopping spree to dress him for success!  We had so much fun!   It was just the two of us one evening at Lord and Taylor.  
We (he) bought suits, shirts and ties, three pairs of shoes,  blazers, khakis, socks and casual shirts.  There was probably more in the shopping bags. 
I have NO idea how it came about, but we worked well together and he stayed on the project.  Impressive! We had a sweet moment in time and the memory is strong. 
I’m pretty sure he earned all of his successes in life without my help.  At the end of the day, his love for his family was his biggest success.  I know he will be missed.  Happy Father’s Day in heaven Dan.  

When I think of Mr. Taft I go back to the '70s and Chesterbrook pool. While, like the other dads, he wasn't around as much as the moms who held court at the shallow end of the lap pool, I remember him as a source of calm, quiet, gentle strength...with amazing hair! My thoughts and sympathies are with his wife, his grandchildren, and especially  his kids who I was lucky enough to know and love. 

Our father had a deep love for Ireland, the country of our Taaffe ancestors, and the country of his heart. 

Dad was thrilled for my daughter Deirdre, that she spent a semester in Galway this year. She and I called him from the Cliffs of Moher so we could share it with him. And we were drawn to Cahir Castle, to walk where our Herrick ancestor lived and worked in the 12th century, and Smarmore Castle, a 14th century castle and one of the Taaffe castles in Ireland.  

My father’s love of Ireland was a part of his soul. 


I remember touring various colleges, including a couple in Virginia. During that trip, we went to a Starbucks to meet up with Granddad and Barbara. We had a lovely time chatting, and I remember so many smiles across our faces. While the college process felt daunting, I remember that feeling faded in that Starbucks. The strong family bond and warmth centered me. I bought a Starbucks mug; it depicts DC. Every time I reach for that mug for my morning cup of coffee, I think back to the fading sun on that wintry afternoon. While it was a cold day, the warmth of Granddad's smile and hug are the things I can still feel six and a half years later. 

A lifetime of memories flows through my mind as I think about my dad. The big sled piled with children, shrieking with glee as our dad steered from the back. Our joy when he walked through the door at the end of the day, happy to see us. So smart, he was the person I could always go to with questions about the world, and he was a natural teacher. I think about his integrity, his  strong and steadfast love and care, and his deep gratitude and pride in the kindness of the children he raised. 

So hard-working, my father earned a scholarship to Harvard and attended George Washington University for his graduate degree.   His dedication to his career in the federal government made me so proud of him. And it brought so many fun things when we were children that I thought were just normal! Sharing astronaut food for show-and-tell when he was working with NASA before the first moon landing, visiting him in the New Executive Office Building and playing with his "Top Secret" stamps, sitting on the White House lawn for Fourth of July fireworks... All just a part of the truly beautiful childhood we were given, full of love and family. 

As we started having our own families, Dad and Barbara brought the family together every summer for a wonderful beach vacation. Those are some of the happiest memories of my life, with so many of the people I loved most in the world. Dad and Barbara and the five of us and our families, with babies and children everywhere, and warm sunshine inside and out. 

My dad was dearly loved. He is missed. 

Dan Taft, my father-in-law, was one of the most thoughtful, generous men I have ever known.  From the moment I first met him, early on in my courtship of his daughter Beth, up to our wedding & into our married life, he graciously welcomed me as a member of his family.  He loved his family, all the way down to his many grandchildren, and always set an example for others to follow.  Beth & I will keep his memory alive in the stories we share, the memories we hold dear, and the lessons we pass down to our children.  Always & forever, sir...

Dad was exceptionally proud of his grandchildren. He became a grandfather for the first time twice over on the same day! Hannah was the first grandchild to be born and a few hours later, across the country, Eliza was born. These two girls immediately became known as the "Cousin Twins" and were the first of 15 grandchildren to be born. 
We have so many special memories with my father, including wonderful annual summer vacations to Duck, NC. I will always treasure these memories and am grateful for the unconditional love my father gave to us, our spouses and our children. 


OBITUARY

Daniel Herrick Taft

October 18, 1935 – May 17, 2019

Murphy Funeral Homes

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