Naples, FL – Bob Bailey, 66, formerly of Oakham, MA, and Shrewsbury, MA passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on 10/27/23, in Naples where he resided since 2001.
Since birth, Bob resided in Shrewsbury, MA. He graduated from Shrewsbury High School in 1975 with High Honors the same year he was involved in a life altering automobile accident leaving him a paraplegic. He attended the New England School of Accounting later that same year and Quinsigamond Community College the following year where he received an Associate Degree in Business Administration in 1978. He later graduated from Fitchburg State College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration in 1980. Pursuing his education further, he received a Master of Science in Human Service Management from Worcester State College in 1989 while working full time and attending night classes.
Bob was employed by the Center for Living & Working, Inc., of Worcester, MA for 25 years, his last 15 as the Executive Director. He was responsible for management, leadership and direction of a multi-programmed, multi-faceted Independent Living Center with a staff of over 50 individuals.
His accomplishments included a development of a variety of independent living programs for people with wide ranges of disabilities and expansion of satellite operations in various locations within the agency’s geographic service area. He reported directly to the Board of Directors. In Addition, he was employed at SpectaGuard, Inc., as a Supervisor responsible for maintaining a liaison between patrons with disabilities and Centrum officials. He helped develop a similar program for the Spectrum in Philadelphia, PA in 1987. Bob was also self-employed for many years as a small business income tax specialist for Bailey & Johnson Associates in Oakham, MA.
He leaves his mother, Catherine A. Bailey of Naples, FL, his daughter Amanda K. Bailey of Davie, FL, his son Christian J. Bailey of Naples, FL, a sister Sharon R. Dolan of Sterling, MA, a nephew Jason T. Dolan of Worcester, MA, a niece Stacey L. Dolan of Sterling, MA and Jessica L. White of Sterling, MA. He is also survived by many caring relatives – Nicole Wiedner of Barre, MA, Zachary Wiedner of Westbrook, ME and more. Bob had many friends in New England and here in Naples as well. Bob was predeceased by his father James H. Bailey of Naples, FL.
Bob was a loving family man who enjoyed most all sports, classic cars and restoration, Bible study & fellowship, and spending time with family and friends. Enjoying wheelchair sports, he directed summer camps for youths with disabilities many summer weeks over the years in Worcester and Framingham, MA. Bob lectured at various colleges and universities in central MA as a guest speaker on the subject matters of living with spinal cord injuries and living independently. He enjoyed volunteering his services at Old Sturbridge Village in Sturbridge, MA working beside members of staff and the Board of Trustees as a member of their Access Committee.
A small Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, 11/09/23, at 11 am. at New Hope Ministries, 7675 Davis Blvd, Naples, FL 34104.
His family heartfully wishes to thank Dr. Nicole Costello, Michael Jaquith, and Avow Hospice.
In lieu of flowers, contributions/donations can be made to Les Feldick Ministries, 3706 W. Lona Valley Road, Kinta Oklahoma 74552.
Fuller Funeral Home-Cremation Service of Naples, FL assisted with arrangements.
