William “Bill” Reynolds Bailey, Jr, 73, of Newtown died April 7 surrounded by family and friends, after a lengthy and brave battle with cancer. Born February 3, 1942, he was the son of William R. and Katherine (Gunning) Bailey of West Orange, N.J.

He grew up in New Jersey, and attended Bloomfield High School, Jersey Prep, and Upsala College. He served honorably in the New Jersey Army Reserve.

Mr Bailey worked for the former Charles Batchelder Co. prior to forming two businesses, CT Metal Industries, Inc and All Container Recovery, Inc of Connecticut and New Jersey.

He believed in volunteering. For a few years he played the part of Dracula at the Newtown Jaycees Haunted House fundraisers. He was well known as “Mr Tears the Clown” and “Santa’s Helper” during holidays, visiting children and seniors at hospitals throughout the state. He loved a parade, whether marching or simply as a bystander.

Mr Bailey coached Little League baseball when his stepsons were young, and some basketball as they grew older. He was always ready to help out with Scouting events and outings.

He served on the board of directors of the Children's Adventure Center in the 1980s, and upon retiring, volunteered at Habitat for Humanity.

Mr Bailey believed in the power and support of AA, and made many lasting friendships among fellow members.

His wife, Patricia (Medve) Bailey; children Karen, and her husband Chuck Golder, of Newtown, Jennifer Gernand, and her daughter Zoey, of Fort Myers, Fla., Jon Gernand of Myrtle Beach, S.C., and Jon Gernand of Waterbury, Vt., survive Mr Bailey.

The family would like to thank the Newtown Ambulance Service, the Danbury Hospital Emergency Room staff, and Danbury Health Care nurses and caregivers for their help and exemplary service.

Instead of flowers, the family requests a donation to a favorite charity or religious organization.

Friends may call at the Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main Street, Newtown, Sunday, April 12, between the hours of noon and 2 pm, with a service to follow at 2 pm. Interment will take place at Newtown Village Cemetery, immediately following.