Darby D. Bailey

Waterford - Darby D. Bailey, 67, of Waterford, entered eternal life on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2014.

He was born Nov. 16, 1946, in Guthrie Center, Iowa, the son of the late Donald and Mary (Bohlender) Bailey. In his early years, he was raised in Groton and graduated from Robert E. Fitch Senior High School. He was united in marriage to the former Cecelia Verosky on July 6, 1968 in the former St. Peter & Paul Polish National Catholic Church in New London, Mrs. Bailey survives him.

He was first employed at Mohegan Auto Parts, later becoming parts manager at the former Butler Chevrolet Dealer in New London. Mr. Bailey was employed at the Waterford Board of Education as a lead custodian in the department for 24 years, retiring in 2005. Darby was a beloved, loving husband, father and grandfather. He enjoyed going to the local casino playing penny slots, playing pool with his grandchildren and playing "Texas Hold Em" poker online with his grandson.

He was an avid Yankee fan and CT Sun fan. Darby was gifted at woodworking, crafting furniture and other items. To his family, he was the all round fix it man. He was a member of the Quaker Hill Rod & Gun Club, shooting on the skeet team.

Besides his beloved wife Cecelia, of 45 years, he is survived by a daughter and son in-law, Terri and Michael Gressler of Waterford; grandchildren, Nicholas and Kassandra Gressler; two siblings, Derry Bailey of Minnesota and Sandra Malafronte of Colorado.

His family will receive relatives and friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, at the Impellitteri-Malia Funeral Home, 84 Montauk Ave., New London. A funeral home service will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, followed by interment in Jordan Cemetery, Waterford.

Donations my be made in his memory to New London Cancer Center, 196 Parkway South, Waterford, CT 06385 or Waterford-East Lyme Animal Control Shelter, 41 Avery Lane, Waterford.