Howard E. “Howie” Bailey Jr., 78, of Seymour, beloved and devoted husband of Marjorie Lewis Bailey, unexpectedly entered into eternal rest on September 20, 2012, at Griffin Hospital.
Mr. Bailey was born in Seymour on February 15, 1934, son of the late Howard E. and Gertrude Kirkham Bailey Sr. A resident of Seymour for most of his life; he had worked as a contractor and was co-owner of Bailey & Merrill Builders with James Merrill for 41 years throughout the New Haven County area. A proud U.S. Army veteran, he honorably served during the Korean Conflict in the 1st Armored Division. Howard was community and civic minded. He has the distinction of being a founding member of the Seymour Ambulance Corp. and served as State Fire Warden in the 1960’s. Howie was also a member of the Great Hill United Methodist Church in Seymour, Seymour Civil Defense, American Legion Post 10 in Seymour, volunteer fireman since 1971 with Great Hill Hose Co. in Seymour, and a volunteer at Griffin Hospital. His greatest joy was spending time with his family and enjoyed working with model trains.
In addition to his wife Marjorie, he is survived by five daughters, Karen Rowland (Charles), Laura Gabor (Karl), and Valerie Bailey of Oxford, Jennifer Dumas (John) of Brockton, MA and Geralyn Roberts (Mario Migliore) of Lumberton, TX, cherished grandchildren, Adam Gabor, Elizabeth Rowland, Bethany Gabor, Haley Rowland, Kristy Roberts, Jack Dumas, and Julianna Dumas, two great grandchildren, Willow Gabor and Tori Gabor, a sister, Charlotte Hassler, and several nieces, nephews, and friends.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a memorial service and celebration of Howie’s life on Sunday (TODAY) September 23, 2012, at 3:00 pm at Great Hill United Methodist Church, 225 Great Hill Road in Seymour. Following the service, military honors will be accorded. Burial will take place at the convenience of the family in Southford Cemetery in Oxford. There will be no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Howie’s memory may be made to the Great Hill United Methodist Church. The SPINELLI-RICCIUTI FUNERAL HOME, 62 Beaver Street in Ansonia, has been privileged with the arrangements.
