John W. Bailey IV

Family and friends are invited to the Townsend-Wood Funeral Chapel, 201 E. Elm St., Penn Yan, NY for a gathering on Monday, August 12, 2019 from 6:00-8:00pm. Memorial donations may be made in Bill’s name to Yates County Habitat for Humanity (PO Box 391, Penn Yan, NY 14527).

Bill was born on February 27, 1936 in Penn Yan, NY to the late John W. & Marion Whitaker Bailey III. He graduated from Penn Yan Academy in 1954, attended Cornell University, was enlisted in the US Army from 1957-61, married his wife, Nancy Dean, on December 28, 1958 and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree from Rochester Institute of Technology in 1965. Bill was a Mechanical Engineer for Thomas Associates in Ithaca, Robson & Woese in Penfield and the Birkett Mills.

Bill was an avid woodworker and had a lifelong passion for sports car road racing and tennis. He was a member of the regional SCCA since 1965. He also enjoyed traveling to watch his grandchildren’s sporting events throughout their high school and college careers. He spent many years volunteering at the Yates County Habitat for Humanity, Penn Yan Tennis Club, and the Yates County Arts Council.

He is survived by his sons, John W. Bailey V (Nancy F.) of Jordan, NY and Matthew D. (Ellen M.) Bailey of Fairport, NY; grandchildren, Margie, Hanne and Ian Bailey also, Anna and Thomas Bailey; brothers, Philip L. (Nancy M.) Bailey of Keuka Park, NY and Andrew W. (Virginia L.) Bailey of Petaluma, CA. Bill was predeceased by his wife, Nancy on April 1, 2004.