David C. Bailey

David C. Bailey, age 91, died on Sunday, February 23, 2025, in Franklin, New York. He was a loving and dedicated husband, father, son, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, friend and coach.

Dave is survived by his beloved wife of 69 years, Lona, his daughter-in-law, Judy Bailey, his son, Douglas (Hope) Bailey; his daughter, Pamela (Mark) Palmer; Granddaughters Heather (Brian) Bailey; Jessica Bailey, April (Sam) Bailey; Anita (Arpan) Gurung and Grandsons Terrance Bailey; G. David (Katie) Palmer; James (Gaëlle) Palmer; great-grandchildren Zeyon, Moïse, Brooke, Jane, Annalea, Hollyn and nieces and nephews. Dave was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Robert, and his son, David Ray.

He was born on May 15, 1933 in Mineola, New York, and grew up in the village of Roslyn on the north shore of Long Island with his older brother Robert and his parents Ray and Cornelia Bailey. He graduated from Roslyn High School in 1951.

Following in the footsteps of his parents, Dave pursued a degree in physical education. He graduated from the State University of New York at Cortland in 1954 completing his degree in a three-year accelerated program. He was then awarded a scholarship in physical therapy to attend the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Columbia University.

In September of 1955, Dave married his high school sweetheart, Lona, and the couple spent many years in the Northeast, finally settling in Franklin, NY. The couple raised their three children in the village while Dave worked at the State University of New York at Oneonta as their first athletic trainer and then as the director of athletics. In 1972, Dave spent a sabbatical as a physical therapist for the Appalachian Regional Hospital giving his family the experience of an unforgettable year in Harlan, KY.

In 1979, Dave moved the family to Mobile, AL, where he spent five years teaching at the United States Sports Academy before becoming a physical therapist and athletic trainer for the Orthopedic Associates of Mobile.

While in Mobile, the couple longed for the mountains of Franklin and decided to build a solar home nestled in the hills overlooking their beloved village. They spent many years making a spring trek to their cabin called “Journey’s End,” which became a haven for family and friends to gather. It remains a special place for their grandchildren and great-grandchildren as the enchanting get-away that Dave envisioned so many years ago.

During their years split between Mobile and Franklin, an annual highlight was the induction ceremony at the SUNY Oneonta Athletics Hall of Fame. Dave especially enjoyed reminiscing with former students and colleagues at these events and was inducted into the Hall in 2013.

A central theme of Dave’s life was his service through the United Methodist Church, where he served on many committees and taught adult Sunday School classes. The couple developed lifetime friendships through the Crusaders class in Franklin, community outreach at the Harlan UMC in Harlan, and through the spiritual life committee and supper clubs at Dauphin Way UMC in Mobile.

Dave and Lona finished their years together at the Heritage at The Plains at Parish Homestead in Oneonta, NY before making a final journey back to Franklin.

The family will greet friends from 6-8 PM on Friday, February 28, 2025 at the Kenneth L. Bennett Funeral Home, 425 Main Street, Franklin, NY 13775.

A funeral service will take place on Saturday, March 1, 2025 at 11 AM at the Open Doors United Methodist Church, 475 Main Street, Franklin, NY 13775, with Reverend Betsy Ott officiating.

A burial ceremony with military honors will take place in the spring at the Ouleout Valley Cemetery, Franklin, NY.

Lona and the entire Bailey family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the Helios Care team: Paula, Carrie, Marlee and Rebecca and to the Home Health aides; Bonnie and Anna for their compassionate and loving care in Dave’s final months.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Dave’s name to Samaritans Purse, Sonset Solutions, the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, or a charity of choice.

Arrangements are by the Kenneth L. Bennett Funeral Home, Franklin, NY.

Please visit www.bennettfh.com to leave a condolence or memory for the family.