Russell G. Bailey, 86, of Lansdale, Penn., formerly of Sellersville, Penn. and Bristol, entered into eternal life Jan. 13 in St. Mary Manor, Lansdale. He was the beloved husband of Jean (Bednarzewski) Bailey for 64 years.
Born in Morristown, Vt., he was the son of the late John G. and Catherine L. (Jones) Bailey. He was a 1947 graduate of Bristol High School, Bristol.
Mr. Bailey was a proud U.S. Navy veteran, serving during WWII.
Russ and Jean met at the Breakers Hotel, Palm Beach, Fla. They married in 1948.
Mr. Bailey had most recently been employed as general manager for Springtec Corporation, of Kulpsville, Penn. Prior to that, he had been employed for 36 years as a senior spring designer with Ametek-Hunter Spring Division, in Lansdale, Penn.
In the 1970s, Russ and Jean had briefly relocated to Bristol, where they owned and operated the Bristol Diner for several years.
Russ was a member of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Hilltown, Penn., where he was active with the Seniors Club. He was also involved with St. Agnes Catholic Church, Sellersville, Penn., where he and Jean were instrumental in establishing the Silver and Gold Club.
A 4th Degree Knight of Columbus, Russ was also a long-time member of the Sellersville Fire Department. He had been an active member of the American Legion Nase-Kraft Post No. 255, Sellersville, Penn.
Russ’s deep and abiding faith was central to his kindly, gentle nature and reflective in his actions. He found great purpose in helping care for others. Russ and Jean volunteered with Foster Grandparents and also hosted children from the Fresh Air Fund.
With a lifelong appreciation of music, Russ enjoyed playing the keyboard, even taking piano lessons at the same time as his daughters. He also loved astronomy, coin collecting, and cooking, with his specialty being fish chowder. His New England roots were evident in his love for all seafood, especially lobster. He displayed an avid interest in wildlife, especially tigers, eagles, and whales.
His favorite motto, “Never Give Up,” personified his life.
In addition to his wife, Mr. Bailey is survived by his daughters, Carol Bailey Zellers of Lansdale, Penn., and Margaret L. Bailey and husband Gary J. Leuschen of Washington, D.C.; granddaughter, Bailey J. Leuschen of Washington, D.C.; brothers, John Bailey and wife Arlene of Nobleboro, and Lynn Bailey and wife Michelle of Rockland; special niece, Cathy Smoyer of Trevose, Penn.; son-in-law, Marlin L. Zellers of Colmar, Penn.; and many nieces and nephews.
Family and friends are invited to call Sat., Jan. 26 from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Rt. 152 and Broad St., Hilltown, Penn. Mass of Christian burial following at 10:30 a.m. Interment with full military honors will follow in the adjoining parish cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Russ’s memory may be made to St. Agnes-Sacred Heart School, Attn: Miss Graham, P.O. Box 31, Hilltown, PA 18927.
Betty Meier Steeley Funeral Home, Sellersville, www.steeleyfuneralhome.com, is in charge of arrangements.
