Douglas Everett Bailey, 56, of New London, died of natural causes in his New London home on Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2013.
He was born Feb. 13, 1957, in Bethpage, N.Y., son of the late George Bailey and Jean (Doig) Bailey. He grew up in North Stonington, and graduated from Wheeler High School in 1975 where he was a member of the cross country team. He enjoyed classic rock music, pickup basketball, ice hockey, billiards, fishing and scrabble. His quiet manner often masked a surprising sense of humor, a trait he will be fondly remembered for by his siblings. He was an avid sports fan and loyal to his New England teams (UConn, the Patriots, the Red Sox and the Celtics), as well as the New York Giants.
He appreciated art and enjoyed creating his own drawings. Doug was a gentle, sensitive man who was proud to live as an independent adult for over 30 years despite his disability. He handled his life with courage and dignity, and was always appreciative of whatever kindnesses came his way. He will be greatly missed by his family and others who shared in his life.
Doug is survived by his four siblings and their families, Bob Bailey and his wife, Sarah, and his son, Connor; Heather (Bailey) Carley and her husband, Stan; Janice (Bailey) Brott and her husband, Mike, and her daughter, Jessica (Brott) Bragdon and her husband, Robbie, and her grandchildren, Cooper and Sawyer Bragdon; Barbara (Bailey) Reich and her husband, Mike, and her children, Mackayla and Bryce Reich.
He was preceded in death by his nephew, Dustin Brott, son of Janice and Mike Brott.
A memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 4, 2013, at Hewitt Hall of the North Stonington Congregational Church, 89 Main St., North Stonington.
In lieu of flowers, a donation in Doug's name to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), the American Heart Association or Sound Community Services (New London) would be a welcome tribute.
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