WILTON – Harry Dailey always showed up. He was a man who believed in community involvement, doing what he could for his town and his neighbors. That commitment ranged from coaching soccer and basketball with the Wilton Junior Athletic Association to serving many years on the Cooperative School Board, as well as the budget committee.

To the participants in the WJAA, he was known as “Coach Cat.”

Before the annual meeting of the Cooperative School District on March 5, Board Member Jim Kofalt recalled Dailey’s years on the board as both vice-chairman and then chairman. “He served the needs of the students and community,” Kofalt said. “He served as the chairman of the committee that oversaw the renovations of Florence Rideout. He oversaw many milestones, including moving the sixth grade to the middle school.”

And he always showed up for games. He loved sports of all kinds.

The School Board is creating a scholarship in his memory, Kofalt said. Anyone who wishes to contribute may contact Kristina Fowler at the SAU office.

Dailey, 61, passed away on Feb. 25 after a long illness. He was born in Lowell, Mass., and graduated from Greater Lowell Technical High School. Prior to his retirement, he was a district manager for Staples.

He lived many years in Wilton, and in recognition of his various contributions he was named Citizen of the Year in 2016.

Dailey touched the lives of many people, and close to two hundred of them gathered on Sunday, March 6, at the school he had served so long and so well to remember and celebrate his life.

Cary Hughes, chairman of the town budget committee, called his years of working with Dailey “a wonderful time.” Dailey served on both the town and school district budget committees.

“He was always an advocate of cutting budgets,” Hughes said. “And he had a way of making (the issues) very clear.”

Selectman Kermit Williams said he knew Dailey mostly from Town Meetings. “He was a larger than life presence,” he said. “He always had a lot to say, but if he thought enough had been said” and people were repeating the arguments, “He would call the question,” that is stop debate.

“He did so much for the town. He was on the committee that came up with the salary guide and helped choose our town administrator. The world was a better place because of him.”

DJ Garcia, owner of the Wilton House of Pizza, said, “The first people we met when we came to town were the Daileys. He was one of my favorite customers.

“He was so funny. I really loved that guy.”

Several people mentioned his sense of humor.

Former School Board Chairman Geoff Brock, who was unable to attend, wrote in an email, “Harry was a truly compassionate and caring man. He was generous with his time and expertise. He really loved the people of WLC, and devoted countless hours trying to make things better for our students, staff, and taxpayers. His death is a real loss for the community, and I will miss my friend.”

The gathering included emotional recollections by members of his family, music provided by family members, and a video of his life. Refreshments were provided by the House of Pizza.

Dailey is survived by his wife Gisele, two children and a grandson.

Arrangements were in charge of McKenna-Ouellette Funeral Home in Lowell, Mass., where he is buried.