FRED C. BAILEY

1925 - 2021

BAILEY, Fred C. Of Lexington, MA, passed away on January 21, 2021 at the age of 95. Fred was born October 5, 1925 in Claremont, NH to Howard P. Bailey and Helen (Coolidge) Bailey. He graduated from Stevens High School in Claremont in 1943. He entered MIT where he ultimately earned his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Engineering. His college years were "interrupted" by a time in the Navy, serving as an electrician's mate. While at MIT, he met Mary Cunningham (from Pittsburgh, PA), who was attending Radcliffe. They married in 1948. After completing his studies at MIT, Fred and Mary moved to Peoria, IL where Fred took his first job at the Caterpillar Tractor Company. In the early 50's, he and Mary and their firstborn daughter Susan moved back to Washington, DC when Fred took a position with the National Research Council of the Academy of Science. While in Washington, their son Stephen was born. In 1955 they moved to Lexington, MA, where the family settled and their daughter Elizabeth "Liza" was born. Fred took a position with Lessells and Associates in Boston. He progressed upwards through the ranks, and, as President, guided the company through its acquisition by Teledyne. He retired from Teledyne Engineering Services in 1986. During and after his working years, Fred was active in several professional organizations, including The Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers (SNAME) and The Society for Experimental Stress Analysis (SESA). He was also a lifelong member of ASME. During his years living in Lexington, Fred was very active in local affairs. He served on the board of Fire Commissioners, was chairman of the Board of Selectmen, and served on the board of directors for Lexington Savings Bank. He and Mary were also very active in the choir at The Church of Our Redeemer, and Fred served on the vestry. He was a founding member of the board of trustees for the Brookhaven At Lexington continuing care facility, and served during the original organization and construction of Brookhaven. In 2006, Fred and Mary moved into Brookhaven, where they deeply appreciated and enjoyed the level of care and diversity of social events. He enjoyed travelling with Mary, visiting various Caribbean Islands, England, France, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Italy, the Panama Canal, and Canada. In addition, many fond memories were made over Thanksgiving holidays during family trips to Bermuda, Disney World, and Hopetown in the Bahamas. Many great times (and a few "framishes") were had while sailing charter sailboats off the coast of New England and in the waters of New Zealand and the Caribbean, and especially in the waters of the Abacos on board their 44' CSY, "Bailiwick." Sailing crews included very dear friends Mac & Betty McKinnon, and Tony & Mimi O'Neill. He and Mary also enjoyed the refuge and beauty of the family house on Little Lake Sunapee in New London, NH, where many gatherings, both large and small, some raucous, some subdued, have also created lasting memories for friends and family over the course of 50+ years. Fred was predeceased by their daughter Susan, and Mary, his beloved wife of 63 years. He was also predeceased by his brother Richard Bailey, of Naples, FL. He is survived by his sister Ruth Vinton (North Haverhill, NH), his son Stephen and daughter-in-law Cynthia (New London, NH), daughter Elizabeth George and son-in-law Neal (Braintree, MA), grandchildren Christopher Bailey, Jennifer Wright, Rebecca Wright, Graham George, Alec George, Parker George, and Meghan George, and 6 great-grandchildren. For the past 8 years he enjoyed the close companionship of Corie Nichols at Brookhaven. Along with many other things, Fred will be remembered by his signature drink: an "Extra-dry Beefeater's martini, with olives, dirty rocks on the side." A celebration and remembrance of Fred's life will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Fred and Mary Bailey Memorial Fund at the Church of Our Redeemer, 6 Meriam Street, Lexington, MA 02420, or to a charity of your choice.

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