Russell G. Bailey

Russell G. Bailey, 86, of Lansdale, formerly of Sellersville, entered into eternal life Sunday morning, January 13, 2013, in St. Mary Manor, Lansdale. He was the beloved husband of Jean (Bednarzewski) Bailey for 64 years.

Born in Morristown, Vermont, he was the son of the late John G. and Catherine L. (Jones) Bailey. He was a 1947 graduate of Bristol High School, Bristol, Maine.

Mr. Bailey was a proud U.S. Navy veteran, serving during World War II.

Russ and Jean met at the Breakers Hotel, Palm Beach, Florida. They married in 1948.

Mr. Bailey had most recently been employed as general manager for Springtec Corporation, of Kulpsville. Prior to that, he had been employed for 36 years as a senior spring designer with Ametek-Hunter Spring Division, in Lansdale and Hatfield Township.

In the 1970’s, Russ and Jean had briefly relocated to Bristol, Maine, where they owned and operated the Bristol Diner for several years.

Russ was a member of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Hilltown, where he was active with the Seniors Club. He was also involved with St. Agnes Catholic Church, Sellersville, where he and Jean were instrumental in establishing the Silver and Gold Club.

A 4th Degree Knight of Columbus, Russ was also a long-time member of the Sellersville Fire Department. He had been an active member of the American Legion Nase-Kraft Post No. 255, Sellersville.

Russ’s deep and abiding faith was central to his kindly, gentle nature and reflective in his actions. He found great purpose in helping care for others. Russ and Jean volunteered with Foster Grandparents and also hosted children from the Fresh Air Fund.

With a lifelong appreciation of music, Russ enjoyed playing the keyboard, even taking piano lessons at the same time as his daughters. He also loved astronomy, coin collecting, and cooking, with his specialty being fish chowder. His New England roots were evident in his love for all seafood, especially lobster. He displayed an avid interest in wildlife, especially tigers, eagles, and whales.

His favorite motto, “Never Give Up,” personified his life.

In addition to his wife, Mr. Bailey is survived by his two daughters: Carol Bailey Zellers, of Lansdale; Margaret L. Bailey and her husband, Gary J. Leuschen, of Washington, D.C.; one granddaughter, Bailey J. Leuschen, of Washington, D.C.; two brothers: John Bailey and his wife, Arlene, of Nobleboro, Maine; Lynn Bailey and his wife, Michelle, of Rockland, Maine; a special niece, Cathy Smoyer, of Trevose; his son-in-law, Marlin L. Zellers, of Colmar; and many nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, January 26, in Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Rte. 152 & Broad Street, Hilltown, PA 18927. Family and friends are invited to call at the church from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. on Saturday.

Interment with full military honors will follow in the adjoining parish cemetery

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Russ’s memory to St. Agnes-Sacred Heart School and mailed to St. Agnes-Sacred Heart School, P.O. Box 31, Hilltown, PA 18927- Attn: Miss Graham.