Mr. Clarence W. "Bill" Bailey

Mr. Clarence W. “Bill” Bailey, age 91, was reunited with his wife, Marie, as he passed away on Thursday, May 28, 2015 at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center with his loving family by his side. Clarence was the son of the late George and Helen (Smith) Bailey. He was raised and educated in West Winfield. A member of the Greatest Generation and a proud veteran of the United States Army, Clarence honorably served his country during World War II and the Korean Conflict. On June 25, 1949 he married the former Marie A. Guido. During their 41 years of marriage, they enjoyed a wonderful life together and he missed her until the moment of his passing. Marie passed away on December 4, 1990. Clarence worked in his profession as a mechanic for the United States Postal Service for 45 years. It was a perfect job for him because of his expertise in the intricacies of reassembling a motor with precision. He retired on July 1, 1985. In his retirement, he was employed by Bernie Bus Company for 10 years. He also operated an auto repair shop at his home for many years. He could rebuild, repair, and was a “Mr. Fix-It” rendering these talents to many customers and friends alike. Clarence was an honest and respectful man of integrity. He was also loyal, selfless, and independent. Caring and thoughtful, as well, he made it his business to be genuinely kind to others. His family could always depend on him for his guidance and advice, and they admired him as the “Rock” and the “go-to-guy”. Clarence was a great listener and also a great story teller, vividly describing events with details. The family had many memorable times camping together in the Adirondacks and the Cooperstown area. Clarence and Marie enjoyed traveling together, especially their casino trips. He liked the thrill of NASCAR races and enjoyed watching world-wide wrestling. He also held a special place in his heart for family canines. Clarence was a parishioner of St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church. Clarence lived his life to the fullest and was an excellent husband, father, and the very best Poppy in the world. Clarence is survived by his devoted daughters, Mary Lou Smith, and Barbara Lynn Sowich, both of New Hartford. He was preceded in death by his sons-in-law, Roger E. Smith, Sr., and Michael D. Sowich, both of whom he loved as sons. His memory will live on in his grandchildren, Roger E. Smith, Jr. of New Hartford, David W. Smith of Clifton Park; and Lisa Marie Sowich of New Hartford; and his sisters and brother-in-law, Vera, Evelyn and Jacob. His extended family includes his nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, in-laws, Richard MacRobbie, and Evelyn Guido; and his companion, Elaine Collins. He had a special bond of friendship with his neighbor Ray Mazza, and his neighbors, the Andelija family. Clarence was predeceased by his sister, Ruth MacRobbie; his brother, Earl Bailey; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Luigi and Maria (Balzano) Guido; and his in-laws whom he loved as his own, Felicia G. and Samuel F. Spatuzzi, Victoria and Frank Vennera, Congetta and George Swearer, Frank and Shirley, Dominick and Mary, Samuel and Ruth, Flamino and Josephine, Joseph and Felicia, Nicholas and Betty, and Carmen Guido, and Doris Guido. The family extends their gratitude to Dr. Jerry Sloan for his compassionate and sensitive nature; the nurses and staff on the first floor of the Allen Calder Wing who truly were attentive. A special thank you to Father LaFache and Deacon Bill Dischiavo for their prayers and spiritual blessings. Visitation will be held Tuesday from 11:00-1:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Clarence’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Tuesday afternoon at 1:00 from the funeral home and at 2:00 at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church where his Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Mark Kaminski with Military Honors conferred. Entombment will take place in Resurrection Chapel Mausoleum at Holy Trinity Cemetery at the convenience of the family.