Joseph Robert Bailey, 97, of East Branch, NY, died on Friday, October 18, 2024 at Delaware Valley Hospital, Walton, NY, after an illness. He was born on February 17, 1927 in Brooklyn, NY, the son of Joseph and Matilda (Herberisth) Bailey.

Joseph lived in Brooklyn and was drafted into the Army during his senior year of high school. He served in Berlin during WWII, was honorably discharged, and returned home to graduate from high school. Joe joined the Nassau County Sheriffs and served as a police officer for 40 years; retiring from the 7th precinct. He then moved to Sayre, PA, following retirement. He was a 50+ year member of the Masonic Mountain Lodge #529, Windham, NY.

Joseph married Eileen Mary Brown on June 18, 1948 and together they had two children, Robert Franklin and Alice Eileen. Eileen predeceased Joe on January 5, 2000.

Joseph married Rita Reynolds Finkle on February 14, 2005 in Walton, NY.

Surviving are his wife, Rita; 1 son, Robert; 3 granddaughters; 5 great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his daughter, Alice Kohnken; 3 sisters: Grace, Jeanette, and Doris; and 1 brother, Gary.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, October 24, 2024 from 11AM-1PM followed by a service at 1PM all at the Henderson-Biedekapp Funeral Chapel, Hancock. Burial will be in Orange Hill Cemetery, Athens, PA, on Friday, October 25, 2024 at 12 Noon.

Arrangements by Henderson-Biedekapp Funeral Chapel, Hancock.