Daniel M. Bachi, a resident of Wellington, FL, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, December 6, 2023, at the age of 64.
Dan was born in Brooklyn, NY, and raised in Scotch Plains, NJ. One of four, he enjoyed a close relationship with his older brother, and two younger sisters. He spent his elementary years at “St. Bart’s” Catholic school, before attending Scotch Plains-Fanwood for high-school. He loved the Jersey Shore, where he vacationed with his family and friends, worked as a lifeguard, and established an annual tradition with his own children.
Dan left home for college, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Jacksonville University, where he graduated magna cum laude in 1981. He proceeded to the University of Florida to study law, and obtained his Juris Doctorate (with honors) in 1984. Following a year-long clerkship at the Florida Appellate Court in Tallahassee, Dan started his legal career at the West Palm Beach firm Jones & Foster. He then spent the remaining 35 years of his career building his own firm, Sellers, Marion, and Bachi, where he earned renown as a skilled litigator on various high-profile cases. From 1995 to 2005, he was one of a few lawyers in the state to hold simultaneous Florida Bar “board-certified” designations in both civil trial and appellate practice.
Shortly after relocating to West Palm Beach, Dan met Patricia Markey. They fell in love, and ultimately exchanged vows in April of 1992. They settled in Wellington, where they raised their two children.
Dan had a passion for life, elevating the atmosphere of any gathering he attended. His infectious sense of humor was his magic weapon; he cherished laughter, sharing countless moments of humor with his family and friends. He went out of his way to make everyone feel welcomed. He loved a party, and had seemingly endless energy when it came to fun, often waking up early on vacation to enjoy a day jam-packed with activities. He touched many lives with his wit, enthusiasm, and kindness.
Dan was an avid sportsman and a lifelong Florida Gators fan. He traveled to his childrens’, nieces’, and nephews’ colleges to watch them play. He loved surfing, skiing, skateboarding, running, swimming, and biking (at various points), and played football, baseball, and wrestled in his youth. But his lifelong passion was basketball. After a stellar scholastic career at Scotch Plains-Fanwood high-school, he played pick-up and league games well into his fifties. He also maintained a passion for running, and could be seen jogging through the streets of Wellington at any hour over the last 30 years. Dan traveled the country participating in road races alongside friends and family, collecting shirts, medals, and race bibs along the way.
Dan was a tirelessly devoted father and grandfather. His family adored him. His compassion extended beyond his direct family. He served as a father figure, mentor, lawyer, chauffeur, coach, and confidant to many of the young people in his life. He was dependable, an anchor, a rock—everyone’s speed dial if they ever needed help. He was easygoing and patient, slow-to-anger, easy to talk to, and
never more than a phone call away.
Dan is survived by his wife, Patricia (née Markey), his devoted children, Collin Bachi (Jen) and Devyn Bachi, and his cherished granddaughter, Scout Bachi. He is also remembered by his siblings, Charlie Bachi (Donna) and Maryellen McGrath (Dan), brothers-in-law Bob Markey (Linda) and Brian Markey (Janice), and numerous nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. Dan was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie and Alice (McAuliffe) Bachi, and his sister, Lorraine.
