Edward Powell Bailey

Edward Powell Bailey, 66, of Rockfall, First Selectman of the Town of Middlefield, died suddenly on December 8, 2021 after a long health issue.  He had been a resident of Rockfall/Middlefield since 1985.  Born in 1955 in Manhattan, New York, Ed was the son of the late Edward and Beatrice (Higgins) Bailey.  He graduated Xavier High School in Manhattan and went on to receive a degree in Marine Engineering from SUNY Maritime College, Bronx, NY with a commission in the Naval Reserves. He worked many years worldwide as a chief marine engineer on several ships, including the Marine Reliance.  Ed served on various boards and commissions.  He was a selectman for the Town of Middlefield since 2009 and has served as First Selectman since 2015.

Ed enjoyed sailing and the outdoors.  His nieces and nephews always enjoyed it when he returned from overseas trips to hear of his worldly travels.  At family gatherings, he would light up the room with his zest for life and worldly knowledge.

Ed is survived by his sister, Pamela Bailey Maher and her husband John; brother, William Bailey and his wife Dorothy; four nieces and nephews; and his dear friends, Reverend Francis Gilbert and Patrick Gilbert.

Family and friends may call on Tuesday evening, December 14th from 5:00 to 7:00pm at the Doolittle Funeral Home, 14 Old Church Street, Middletown where masks are required.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, December 15th at 10:00 am at Saint Colman Church, 145 Hubbard Street, Middlefield.  Burial will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Hawthorne, NY.  In lieu of flowers, donations in Ed’s memory may be made to Middlefield Historical Society, 405 Main Street, Middlefield, CT 06455.  To share memories or send condolences to the family, please visit www.doolittlefuneralservice.com.

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