Ronald Frank Bailey, 90, of Shehawken, PA and Naples, FL was laid to eternal rest on April 7th, 2026. Predeceased by his parents Douglas and Mildred (Smith) Bailey, Ron is survived by his partner of thirty-one years, Desiree Lafferty, as well as his children, Jennifer (Stephen) Lupo and Linda Matthews. Ron is also survived by his grandchildren, Samara, Serafina and Saphira de Souza.

Ron was an avid outdoorsman who possessed a profound and innate connection with nature, having spent much of his life hunting the Southern Tier of New York and Pennsylvania while also fly fishing the Delaware and Ausable rivers. Ron was an ATA ranked trapshooter and award-winning Field Trial Dog trainer.

Ron was patient and measured, equipped with an extraordinary power of observation and time-based execution. Whether studying the hatch to optimize placement of a dry fly in the stream or framing the optimal shot, his judgment and delivery were flawless. Remarkably, Ron was a natural, self-taught piano player, able to play any tune by ear-another testament to his inherent connection with the metronome of life.

Ron vastly enjoyed spending the season at his beloved Lake Shehawken and wintering in Naples. Ron mastered fly fishing to an art, apparent to those who had an opportunity to behold him casting during warm summer evenings at the Lake. While Ron’s hunting decoys retired some time ago, they took up permanent residence at the Lake, creating enjoyment and fodder for visitors pondering their authenticity.

Ron was a proud member of Ducks Unlimited, the National Rifle Association and Trout Unlimited.

Ron graduated from Binghamton Central High School and retired from Dairylea as well as Broome County Government, finishing his career as Commissioner of Public Transportation.

A private burial will be held at a later time.

Donations in Ron’s honor can be made to Ducks Unlimited, Southern Tier of NY chapter.

“So Long” dear Dad and Grandpop, Until We Meet Again.

Arrangements by Henderson-Biedekapp Funeral Chapel, Hancock.