Donald H. Bailey, 88, of Londonderry, NH passed away Friday, September 8, 2017 surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Boston, MA on July 31, 1929, the son of the late Howard A. and Mary Ellen (Murphy) Bailey. He grew up in West Roxbury, MA, attended Boston English High School and received his Master’s of Arts Degree in Latin from Boston College. Donald proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean conflict. He spent 35 years at Lowell High School in Lowell, MA where he was a dedicated teacher of Latin, highly respected by his colleagues and students. He served as vice president of the teacher’s union. A devout Catholic and strong defender of his faith, Donald was an active member of St. Jude Parish in Londonderry, NH and was a member of the church choir.
His survivors include his beloved wife of 57 years, Sylvia (D’Ambroise) Bailey; four children: Cynthia Holton and husband, Kenneth of Hudson, NH, Shawn Bailey and wife, Jennifer of Laconia, NH, Lisa Perry and fiancé Tim Phillips of Suffolk, VA, and Karen Laplante and husband Guy of Derry, NH; ten grandchildren: Robert and Gregory Quinn, Jennifer Romanowski, Emily Holton, Jessica and Scott Perry, Abraham, Cyrus, Clay and Ruby Laplante; four great grandchildren: James, Ava, Nolan, and Roman; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by two sisters, Mary O’Halloran and Catherine Mack.
Donald was a devoted father and grandfather who shared his love of animals and the outdoors with his children and grandchildren. Donald had a great love of horses and was an experienced rider. He was a talented writer, enjoyed gardening and was a fishing and boxing enthusiast.
Calling hours were held from 4-7 p.m. on Thursday, September 14, 2017 at the Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 290 Mammoth Rd., Londonderry. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Friday, September 15, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Jude Parish, 435 Mammoth Rd., Londonderry. Burial followed in Pillsbury Cemetery in Londonderry. Memorial contributions may be made to Operation Smile at www.operationsmile.org or to St. Jude Parish Food Pantry.