Funeral of: William R. Bailey, Jr. 2/3/1942 -4/7/2015


William Reynolds Bailey, Jr (Bill) of Newtown passed surrounded by family and friends after a lengthy and brave battle with cancer.

Born February 3, 1942, Bill was the son of William R. and Katherine (Gunning) Bailey of W. Orange, NJ. Bill is survived by his wife, Patricia (Medve) Bailey, daughter Karen and her husband Chuck Golder of Newtown, daughter Jennifer Gernand and granddaughter Zoey of Ft Myers, FL, son Jon Gernand of Myrtle Beach, SC, and son Ben Gernand of Waterbury, VT.

Bill grew up in NJ, attended Bloomfield High School, Jersey Prep and UpSala College. He served honorably in the NJ Army Reserve. Bill worked for the former Charles Batchelder Co. prior to forming two businesses: CT Metal Industries, Inc. and All Container Recovery, Inc. of CT and NJ.

Bill believed in volunteering. For a few years he played the part of "Dracula" at the Newtown Jaycees Haunted House fundraisers. He was well known as "Mr. Tears the Clown" and "Santa's Helper" during holidays where he visited children and seniors at hospitals throughout the State. He loved a parade, whether marching or simply as a bystander.
Bill coached Little League baseball when his step sons were young, and some basketball as they grew older. He was always ready to help out with Scouting outings and events.
He served on the Board of Directors of the Children's Adventure Center in the 1980's and upon retiring,volunteered at Habitat for Humanity.

Bill believed in the power and support of AA, and made many lasting friendships among fellow members.

The family would like to thank the Newtown Ambulance Service, the Danbury Hospital Emergency Room staff and Danbury Health Care nurses and caregivers for their help and exemplary service.

Instead of flowers the family requests a donation to our favorite charity or religious organization.

Friends may call at the Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main St, Newtown on Sunday, April 12th between the hours of 12-2PM with a service to follow at 2:00pm. Interment will take place at Newtown Village Cemetery immediately following.

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