Obituary of Bernard Bailey

Bernard W. Bailey of Apalachin Born: May 22, 1929 Died: April 10, 2009 Bernard W. Bailey, also fondly known as Bud to many friends throughout the Southern Tier, passed from this earthly life to life eternal on April 10, 2009. Always a survivor and dedicated to the work to be done, Bernard fought pancreatic cancer for four years. The love of his life and bride of nearly fifty-eight years, Maxine, remained at his side throughout this heroic fight. As the father of five children, Thomas, Bernard (Dianne), Joylyn (Robert), Karen (deceased), and John (Christee), he set an example of dedication to family, community, and life. His life's riches include his grandchildren, Heather and Ray, Thomas (deceased), Autumn, (Tom and Linda), Karen and Scott, Eric, Kimberly (Bernard and Dianne), Bailey, Michael (Joylyn and Mike), Bradford, Christopher (John and Christee); and great-grandson, Elijah (Autumn). Bernard was born in Forest City, PA to Dora and William Bailey on May 22, 1929. He was predeceased by a brother, William; and brothers-in law, Leroy Rotherforth and Peter Babiak. His loving sister, Margaret Babiak; as well as sisters-in-law, Noreen Swegel (Robert), Marti Rotherforth, Bonnie Bailey; and brother-in law, Gary Rotherforth, along with numerous nieces and nephews, mourn his passing. Bernard enlisted in the United States Army at age seventeen and was a veteran of World War II and the Korean War. Bernard's successful thirty-two year career with IBM began in Endicott, NY in 1953. He was proud to have contributed to the United State's NASA Space Program. His entrepreneurial spirit led to the creation of Bud's Place in Apalachin, NY. As a community member of Apalachin for fifty-five years, Bud and friends started the Apalachin Grenadiers Drum & Bugle Corps and the Apalachin Fireman's Field Days. His leadership was also evident as: an active life member of the Apalachin Volunteer Fire Department, Tioga County Deputy Fire Coordinator, Tioga County Veterans' Benefits Administrator, and Past Commander of the V.F.W. Post 1371, Owego, NY. Bud served as a life member of the V.F.W. Post 1371 and the American Legion Post 401. His spiritual life grew as a dedicated member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Owego, NY. Bud loved golf, was a member of many local golf organizations but especially enjoyed playing golf in Delray Beach, FL during the winter months over the past fifteen years. When asked what his obituary should include, he said, "That I am a connoisseur of cherry Jell-O and drum corps." Bud's humor, strength and love will be missed, but lives on through his legacy of family, friends, and foundations of community. In lieu of flowers, the family requests Bud's memory is honored through donations to the American Cancer Society, Lourdes Hospice Program, or St. Paul's Episcopal Church Organ Fund in Owego. All are invited to share their memories, goodbyes, and prayers at Coleman & Daniels Funeral Home on Route 434 in Apalachin between the hours of 5:00 and 8:00 p.m. on Monday, April 13th, and at St. Paul's Episcopal Church on Tuesday, April 14, at 10:00 a.m. Mass. Following the service, the family will proceed to a private burial in Bernard's hometown of Forest City, PA.