William J. Bailey, Jr.

RUTLAND - William J. Bailey, Jr., 87, beloved husband of Lucille (Lamarche) Bailey, passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home, surrounded by the love of his family, on Thursday, August 24, 2023. Born and raised in Worcester, he was a son of the late William and Dorothy (Gaffney) Bailey.

After graduating from Commerce High School, Bill enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Reserve. He then attended Worcester Junior College before joining The United States Army, where he proudly served his country in the Korean War. Upon his return, Bill began a long career as a sales manager for the Telegram & Gazette, retiring after 39 years of dedicated service. He was a faithful member of St. Patrick's Church where he served as a Lector, sang in the choir, and taught C.C.D. He was a founding member of the Central Mass on Stage Theater Group where he served as president for 30 years. During his decades of involvement, he produced and performed in multiple shows per year. He truly loved being on stage. He was a member of the American Legion Post # 310 where he would take full advantage of any opportunity to visit local schools to discuss the significance of the American flag. Bill was a past President of the Rutland Lions Club and received the Melvin Jones Award. He also served on the Rutland town planning board for a few years.

His passion in life was playing and teaching tennis, and those who knew him best will remember that he didn't like to lose! He cherished his Sunday mornings when he would get together with friends to play a game of tennis. He was a history buff and an avid reader, often getting together with friends to discuss a current book. Bill enjoyed having family gatherings at his house. He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He will be lovingly missed and remembered by his wife of 62 years, Lucille; his two sons, Michael Bailey and his wife, Dayna of Lancaster and Stephen Bailey and his wife, Lori of Bedford, VA; his two daughters, Karen Eaton and her husband, Barry of Rutland and Erin LaRose and her husband, Michael of East Kingston, NH; thirteen grandchildren, Patricia, Rebecca, Jaime, Mikayla, Michael, Jay, Joel, Lee, Trent, Dominic, Ceara, Gabriella and Michelle; and eight great-grandchildren, Molly, Emma, Max, Ivan, Kyleigh, Rocco, Josette and Raelynn. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Elizabeth Bailey.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with the family from 5 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, August 29 at the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, August 30 at St. Patrick's Church, 258 Main Street, Rutland. Burial will follow at Rural Cemetery, Rutland. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Patrick's Church in Rutland, MA or St. Jude Children's Hospital.

To share a memory or offer an online condolence please visit his Tribute Wall on this page.