Michael Raymond Bailey

Michael Raymond Bailey 3/26/45 - 4/19/23 Michael Raymond Bailey, aged 78, of Corona, California passed away suddenly on April 19, 2023, at his home. Mike was born March 26, 1945, in Los Angeles to his beloved parents Edwin and Marguerite Bailey. He was the second child of four who grew on Abbott Street in Lynwood. As a boy, he had a passion and talent for anything that was competitive, especially basketball where he was known for his impressive hook shot and hustle. Through their mutual best friends Bob and Carol, Mike met the love of his life, Kathleen Roche while he attended Lynwood High School and they have been inseparable ever since. They married on June 18, 1966, at St. Dominic Savio and welcomed their son, Michael Brendan, and daughter, Gina Marie, before their 2nd anniversary and Mike achieved his dream of having a family. Daughter, Kristen Beth, completed the Baileys. Mike was an attentive, devoted father who was always there for his family. Employed with Ivy Hill Printing for 40 years, Mike scheduled his work and life around his children and their activities. He was an involved basketball, softball, and baseball coach for all his children. He was at every game at St. John Bosco or St. Joseph that his children played in. When all three children played college football or softball at Oregon State University and Villanova, Mike burst with pride for what his children achieved. However, becoming a grandfather was double the joy for Mike. His grandchildren all affectionately called him "Papa" and so did their teammates. Mike was always in the stands at every football, baseball, basketball, and softball game the grandchildren participated in. He was known for his extensive wardrobe of polo shirts and t-shirts that named the teams and colleges his grandchildren played for. All his grandchildren knew that Papa would be in the stands because he lived for his family and loved their games. He would brag to anyone nearby about their successes and feel their pain for their struggles. While Mike lived for his family, traveling the world with Kathy was another one of his joys. Mike was the travel agent for all trips and took care of everyone to make sure they had all their reservations set. Mike and Kathy went on numerous cruises all over the world, visited most of the 50 states, and made several visits to Europe. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on a Caribbean cruise with all their children and grandchildren. So it is with sadness that the day our family lost our father, his suitcase was packed and ready to go on another trip to see a grandchild play the sport they loved. We will miss his warm smile, his storytelling, his hospitality, and gift to fix anything and everything. He loved to entertain guests and always had a bottle of wine or a margarita ready to toast with you. Papa truly lived life to the fullest and was always there. Mike is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 57 years, Kathy, son and daughter-in-law Mike and Kristin Bailey, daughter and son-in-law Gina and Keith Ladd, daughter Kristen Bailey, grandchildren Brendan and Hannah Bailey, Kevin, Caitie, and Sarah Ladd, granddaughter-in-law and great-granddaughter Claire and Piper Bailey, and many family members and friends. A memorial service will be held at St. Dominic Savio Catholic Church in Bellflower, California, on Wednesday, April 26, 2023 at 10 am with reception to follow. Family and friends are welcome to come and celebrate a life well lived. Mass St. Dominic Savio Catholic Church 13400 Bellflower Blvd Bellflower , California 90706 Wednesday 4/26, 10:00 am