In Loving Memory
Donald Arthur Bailey
Virtual Memorial Gathering
Sunday, February 25, 2024
11 AM Eastern / 10 AM Central / 9 AM Mountain / 8 AM Pacific
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Donald Arthur Bailey Obituary
Donald Arthur Bailey, 81 years old, died peacefully with his wife at his side on October 16, 2023, while traveling in Europe. He is survived by his wife Sandra Leigh Bailey, his four sons and their wives, Erik and Erin, Troy and Colleen, Blake and Jesse, Ryan and Shelly, his nine grandchildren Conor, Reagan, Brendan, Brynn, Juliette, Chase, Lincoln, Declan, Molly, and his stepbrother Stephen G. Savage. He was the son of Betty J. Savage and Arthur A. Bailey and the loving brother to Barbara A. Mandes, who predeceased him. He loved Barbara dearly and protected her throughout her life.
Don spent much of his childhood and early adult life on the main line of Philadelphia with his mother, stepfather George D. Savage, his sister Barbara and brother Stephen. He attended Lower Marion high school lettering in cross country running and wrestling. A voracious consumer of information with a “gift for gab” and a propensity for “holding court”, Don soon wore out his high school teachers. Much to his pleasure, Don finished his high school education via self-study in the library. After graduating high school, he attended Brown University, went onto Harvard Business School to earn his MBA and soon after his JD from Penn Law School.
Don had a long and varied business career in and around investment banking, entrepreneurship, and turning around and consulting to troubled companies. He gave many guest lectures in Entrepreneurship at the Wharton School of Business and invested time in young talented students, entrepreneurs and executives helping to frame their thinking and path in the business world. He was a wonderful mentor to all who gravitated to him and some of whom were still in contact with him before he passed away.
After a large oil industry opportunity had him move from the east coast to Dallas Texas, Don felt truly in his own element, adopting Texas as home and the business nomenclature “Maverick Entrepreneur”. He lived in Texas for 27 years before moving with his wife to Coconut Creek Florida in 2017.
Don was a passionate sports fan throughout his life and supported Philadelphia franchises as well as adopting a few “local” sport franchises as he moved around the country. There are probably few who can honestly say they are enthusiastic for the Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys, and the Miami Dolphins and mean it! He loved to watch live, at home and in the pubs rallying the fans around him with cheers and banter.
As an adult Don discovered his passion for his Irish heritage. His paternal grandmother, Molly, was born in Ireland. She married his grandfather Julius Bailey, and he brought her to America. Don was proud of his Irish roots, and visited Ireland many, many times with his family and on his own exploring the off beaten paths. He loved traditional Irish music and would spend much of his time in the local pubs singing along with the band. He felt at home in Ireland and in an “alternative reality” would have been very happy to live or retire there. However, his strong family roots kept him grounded in the US.
Don was also an enthusiastic patriarch and family man. Sandy and Don had a true loving partnership, and he had credited much of his business and family success to having Sandy, his trusted partner by his side. He continually invested in the lives of his sons, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren; coaching them in sports, academics, and life, instilling in them his love for America, freedom, Ireland, sports, drink, and banter, all the while helping them to live their best lives possible.
He will be dearly missed.
Don’s ashes will be scattered at sea in Fort Lauderdale. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his memory at Irish Heritage Tree.
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Dear Sandy,
This is an loving and heartfelt tribute to a remarkable man. My sincere condolences to you and all the family. May wonderful memories bring you comfort.
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Sandy, our warmest condolences. Don certainly touched many avenues in his life’s journey, however short. May fond memories always be close to you and your family.
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Don was my first boss right out of school and my mentor for life. I would not be what I am today if not for Don taking me under his wing and showing me how the world works.
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Sandy, i’m so sorry for your loss.
I.wish i knew him, may God provide blessings and comfort to you and your family.
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I had never met Don but have gotten to know his wife, Sandy since their move to Florida. .His obituary gave me insight into what an accomplished and special person he was. My sincere condolences to Sandy and all of Don’s family and friends.
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The first time I met Don was 1968 in Philadelphia. Don and my late husband, Phil, were both newbee’s at Butcher and Sherrerd.. A mere 55 years ago!!!
I cherish most Don’s continued friendship, love and support these past nine years of widowhood. We laughed, we cried and he was always there for me. I never would have imagined our last conversation would be shortly before departing for Europe.
I look forward to joining you to celebrate a very dear friend. Peace, Love and Hugs, Virginia
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There were three key people in my life. Don Bailey was by far the most important. He was a best friend, mentor, father-figure. I miss him dearly every day. Words cannot express my grief for his loss. My many thanks to Sandra Leigh, Eric, Troy, Blake and Ryan for sharing him in my life. My heart and prayers go out to all of you.
Don impacted so many lives. He was an outstanding entrepreneur, philosopher, adventurer, family man and intellect with a zest for life seldomly seen in today’s world. He was by far the smartest and wisest human being I have ever met. There was never a conversation when we did not discuss his family. His love for his family especially Sandra Leigh was immense and unwavering in my 35 year relationship with Don.
This is a man that was there for you in success and failure and always the first to lend a hand and provide pragmatic advice combined with enthusiastic support. One of the best cheer leaders for your success in all aspects of life.
I will cherish all the memories. My prayers to you my friend. Slainte! I miss you brotha!
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Don THE ROAD TO HEAVEN HAS RISEN TO MEET YOU. THE WINDS OF EARTH BEHIND YOU. uNTIL WE MEET AAGAIN GOD HOLDS YOU IN THE PALM OF HIS HAND. I WILL MISS YOIU, AND RAY FOR YOU. OHN AND ANTOINETTE MCNAMARA
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Don was an exceptional human being. I was blessed to have known him. Right before he left for Switzerland he said”you won’t see me and your friend for a while” so I waited and waited and u think a little part of me died when his bldg director Ed Fitz told me. “He died” I was completely shocked. I have lived in wynmore many years. He was the most incredible neighbor. He and buddy would come and visit at my bldg 3303 many days. I didn’t know his background but now that I learn I’m not surprised of his life long achievements. They say we all have to go but his passing was too soon. He will be truly missed by me and many. With sincere condolences to his lovely wife. Children family friends and to buddy. The most adorable little 🐕
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Don’s smiling face is already missed her in Wynmoor! Don was a very kind, gentle soul. You might not have always agreed with him or him with you, but that was alright by him. Don always took the time to say hello, and chit chat a moment, of course, with Buddy by his side! Don often spoke of his sister and you knew from listening to him that he had such a kind heart..
To Sandy and family, my thoughts & prayers go out to all of you. Don was such a delightful person.
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Don was my neighbor in Florida. He was so kind and gentle, the loveliest man. He will be missed….
Susie
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What a beautiful obituary. I had no idea about Don’s achievements in life and wish I had known him better. As a neighbor, my best memories of Don are walking Buddy, and also sharing his “home office” that was filled with amazing memorabilia. The life he lived is just remarkable. The memories will stay with loved ones forever.
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Don was a great older brother….he always seemed to have my back my whole life. He was my hero…. no Superman, no Flash Gordon….it was Don! I will miss our calls and talking politics, he could go on for hours! Fortunately we had the same mindset about this world.
There are not many in this world that are “good and caring people”. Don was one of these people..
I will miss him!
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So many wonderful memories of Don; he will be deeply missed. He was loved by all and by us. A dear friend, brilliant, wise, kind, caring. It is so hard to believe he is gone.
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What a lovely tribute to Don. Our daughter, Shelly married into the Bailey family. So, he drifted in and out of my life as we got to visit some in New Jersey and some in Pennsylvania. I always enjoyed those times and conversations. He made me laugh and smile. What a zest for life you had Don Bailey and a fierce love for your family! I will truly miss you. Our visits together were too short, way too short. Blessings to the Bailey Family. With love, Linda Smith
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What a great tribute to Don. He was an extraordinary man who touched all our lives with love, wisdom and laughter..
❤️
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Don was a man of many talents, an abundance of knowledge and tons experience. He truly was inspirational and always a pleasure to spend time with. He will not be forgotten -especially around the Mulberry Bush!
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I love the obituary and what a great picture of Don. Looking forward to celebrating his life and the positive impact on so many! ❤️