Brian E. Bailey

Brian E. Bailey, husband of Ann (Baudin) Bailey passed away on March 7, 2019 after a long illness. He was 86 years old.

Brian was born May 25, 1932 in Utica NY to Francis H Bailey and Edith Dolly Smith. When Brian was 7 the family moved to Meriden CT, Boston MA, finally settling in Wethersfield CT. Brian attended Wethersfield High School where he was known for his sense of humor and always being seen in his little red truck. After graduation he went to work at his Father’s company, The Sure Line Mfg. Co.

Brian was a veteran of the Korean War. He served his country as a member of the 179th Infantry Regiment (Thunderbirds) the 45th division and received a Bronze Star. After returning home from Korea he went back to work at The Sure Line Mfg. Co., eventually taking over as co-owner with his brother.

On a blind date in 1950 he met his future wife, Ann Baudin and they married on June 23, 1956 and went on to raise a family.

During his free time Brian enjoyed working with his tractors at his homes in Simsbury, Winchester, and Killingworth. He also enjoyed snowmobiling with his friends and family, vacationing in Lake George, Killington VT, and traveling to Europe, South America, and around the USA in an Airstream accompanied by his wife and Himalayan cats (Kashmir and Tensing)

What Brian enjoyed most was volunteering his time at the New England Air Museum where he and his brother, Stuart, spent many hours restoring the Wright Brothers Aero Engine # 17. Aero Engine # 17 is believed to be the oldest running Wright Brothers-built engine in existance. On December 17, 2003 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Wright Brothers historic trip, Brian and Stuart, dressed up as the Wright Brothers, powered up Aero Engine # 17.

Brian loved his animals, especially his Himalayan cats, brothers Percy and Oliver.

Brian is survived by his wife of 62 years, Ann, his son Brian Scott Bailey and his wife Christine of Winsted CT, his daughter Shelley Ann White and her husband James of West Simsbury CT, his brother Stuart Bailey and Marti of Crystal River FLA, grandchildren Amanda, Kyle, Mitchell, Cameron White, Tyler and Tatum Bailey, his brother-in-law Calvin Warner, and several nieces and nephews. Brian was predeceased by his sister June Bailey Warner of East Hartford, and his parents Francis and Edith Bailey.

Arrangements – Funeral services and burial will be held at the convenience of the family under the direction of the Alderson-Ford Funeral Home of Cheshire. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Brian’s memory to the Forgotten Felines 153 Horse Hill Rd. Westbrook CT 06498 or the New England Air Museum 36 Perimiter RD, Windsor Locks CT 06096.