Obituary of Walter E. Bailey

Walter E. Bailey Elmira: Age 91, passed away peacefully at his home with his loving family by his bedside on Thursday, January 10, 2013. Walter was born in Elmira July 8, 1921 a son of Walter E. and Margaret Bailey. He is predeceased by his wife of 66 years Claudia M. Bailey and sister-in-law Virella Russo. Walter is survived by his children, with their spouses, Paul Bailey, Horseheads, Roxanna and David Merriam, Jackson MS, Claudia and Richard Olson, Cortland NY, Carlos and Marcia Mejia, Atlanta GA; 16 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; brother Donald Bailey, Tampa FL; along with several nieces and nephews. A WWII veteran serving in the Army Air Force, Walter met his wife Claudia while stationed in Central America. At the time he didn't speak Spanish and she didn't speak English, but they made it work and had 66 wonderful years together. While in the military he earned the American Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and WWII Victory Medal. Walter worked as a machinist tool & dye maker for 20 years at Remington Rand before going to work, in the same capacity, at IBM in Owego for another 20 years. He was a long time communicant of St. Patrick's Church. Walter was a loving husband, father, and grandfather who will be dearly missed. Friends are invited to McInerny Funeral Home, 502 W. Water Street, Elmira, on Tuesday, January 15, 2013 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A prayer service will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, January 16, 2013 at 9:45 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. at St. Patrick's Church. Interment, with committal prayers, will then take place at St. Peter & Paul's Cemetery.