Robert J. BAILYN

1929 - 2018

BAILYN, Robert J. Robert J. Bailyn age 89, of Lake Worth, Florida died on December 26, 2018 after a period of failing health. He was born on February 17, 1929, the son of Dr. Emanuel Bailyn and Elsie Morris Bailyn, Esq. He was predeceased by his sister, Ms. Merna Kaplove. Bob was a dedicated and skilled journalist and educator. He was equally impressive in his devotion to family and friends. In his work and personal pursuits, Bob was the definition of a life long learner. He avidly engaged in the Great Books program from his teenage years at the University of Chicago into his last years of life. He earned a master's degrees in journalism (University of Michigan) and in business administration and management (Western Connecticut State University). Bob loved newspapers and the friendships he developed as a reporter and editor. His newspaper career of over 40 years included positions at the Holyoke Transcript and Telegram (MA), the Trenton Times (NJ), the Danbury News Times (CT), the Birmingham News (AL), and the Palm Beach Post (FL). Bob later embarked on a second career as a journalism professor at Penn State and the University of Alabama before joining the School of Communication and Multimedia Studies at Florida Atlantic University. His later life accomplishments included First Amendment advocacy and philanthropy. Bob endowed journalism scholarships and educational programs at Florida Atlantic University and the University of Chicago. Away from the newsroom and classroom, sources of meaning and enjoyment included family, travel and tennis. His love of and devotion to his "Swedish bride" of over 65 years were remarkable. Bob is survived by his wife, Inez Bailyn, of Lake Worth Florida and their 3 children: Lisa Bailyn of North Andover, Massachusetts; Peter Bailyn of Wilmington, Delaware; and Ronald Bailyn (Patricia Morris) of Cape Elizabeth, Maine. He is also survived by his beloved granddaughter, Linnea Parker, of North Andover, Massachusetts as well as many other family members, friends and colleagues. A celebration of life event in Florida is being planned. Donations in Bob's memory to the Robert J. and Inez Persson Bailyn Endowment Fund at Florida Atlantic University are welcome (https://fauf.fau.edu/giveagift/).