Daniel "Dan" Bakinowski

With great sadness and deep love, we announce the passing of Daniel “Dan” Bakinowski on December 26, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family in memory care.

Dan’s life was defined by service, intellect, and quiet but profound leadership. A proud graduate of Boston University, he studied history and captained the BU men’s rowing team, an early indication of the commitment and determination that would shape his life. He was honored as the University’s Scholar-Athlete and graduated cum laude in 1972.

After graduation, while working full time, Dan volunteered to coach the first BU women’s rowing program. Just two years after earning his degree, he elevated the women’s team from club to varsity, helping channel the growing energy around women’s rowing on campus following the implementation of Title IX, which expanded opportunities for women in collegiate athletics. In 1974, he led two women’s fours, open and lightweight, to the national championships. Their victory sent the BU Open Four to the World Rowing Championships in Lucerne, where Dan served as the U.S. National Team coach. His connection to rowing was lifelong and deeply personal. Betsy, who would later become his wife, shared this passion, a bond that became one of the foundations of their life together.

In 1979, when BU announced plans to eliminate rowing, Dan rallied alumni and advocates, ultimately convincing then-President John Silber to preserve the program. His determination ensured that rowing at BU not only survived but grew into the vibrant, competitive program it remains today. He later played a key role in renovating BU’s boathouse, chairing committees and guiding the permitting process that led to the completion of the DeWolfe Boathouse in 1999.

Dan’s volunteer leadership in rowing extended across decades. He served as President of USRowing, guiding the organization through pivotal transitions: modernizing its management, securing its first corporate sponsorships, and advancing efforts within USRowing and FISA, the international governing body of the sport of rowing, to include men’s and women’s lightweight rowing in the Olympic Games. In 1985, he was a founding board member of Community Rowing, Inc., the first public rowing boathouse in Boston, which remains one of the largest in the United States and serves as a national model for similar programs. His influence shaped the sport nationally and internationally, expanding opportunities for countless athletes.

Dan also ran the Boston Marathon for many years, dedicating each race to support Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and raising funds for cancer research, a testament to his perseverance, generosity, and commitment to giving back. He extended this same dedication to his community through service as a board member of the Massachusetts 9/11 Fund, providing guidance to support families affected by the tragedy and ensuring the Fund’s resources were used effectively and compassionately.

Physical fitness was a lifelong passion for Dan. In addition to running marathons, he became certified to teach spin classes while living in Lincoln, Massachusetts, quickly becoming one of the most requested instructors at the Boston Sports Club in Waltham. His energy, humor, and encouragement drew regulars who looked forward not only to a great workout but also to the sense of community he created.

Dan’s professional career was equally distinguished. He earned a Master of Education from Harvard University and moved to Washington, D.C., to work for the Department of Education in the Carter Administration. He later returned to Boston University School of Law, earning his Juris Doctor in 1980. Once admitted to the bar, he practiced corporate, real estate, and estate planning law in Boston for many years. His legal work reflected a deep commitment to helping individuals and families plan wisely for the future. He believed in being an estate planner “in the broadest sense,” ensuring that clients understood how to safeguard their legacy for the people and organizations they cared about.

After retiring from active practice in 2010, he continued to share his expertise by consulting with nonprofits and foundations, advising on legal matters, fundraising strategies, and governance. After moving to the North Shore, Dan became involved in local nonprofits, joining the Board of Advisors for the Essex County Community Foundation and Harborlight Community Partners.

Above all, Dan was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his wife Betsy Hochberg, his daughters, Elizabeth (Mark) and Allison (Tim), and his four grandchildren, Isabella, Emilia, Gerald, and Elinor. His impact lives on through his children, grandchildren, and all those whose lives he touched.

A celebration of life will be held in the spring, when loved ones can gather to honor his remarkable legacy.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Boston University Women’s Rowing: Boston University Athletics Development & Alumni Relations 595 Commonwealth Avenue, Suite 700 Boston, Massachusetts 02215

Assisting the family with the arrangements is O'Donnell Cremations - Funerals - Celebrations, 167 Maple St., (rte 62) DANVERS. www.odonnellfuneralservice.com