Thomas Bailey

Thomas Charles Bailey, 73, of Carlisle, PA and Lowell, MA passed away peacefully March 22, 2024 at UPMC Carlisle surrounded by his family. He had been living at Sarah A. Todd Memorial Home.

Tom was born November 23, 1950 in Chelsea, MA to the late Paul Carlyle and Dorothy (Wallace) Bailey.

Tom was educated in Germany, France, Washington state and Lowell, MA. He served in the US Navy and was stationed in Pensacola, Florida. Following discharge, he fell into the life of a “transit,” traveling along the eastern seaboard and working various migrant jobs and meeting other like-minded people along the way.

His many adventures, including his personal reflections on life’s challenges following a traumatic brain injury, were captured in a book he was working on called, My Life as a Transit.

Tom was a member of Toastmasters International who he credits for teaching him how to use his voice to express himself in group situations.  He received countless awards and commendations for his volunteer work and spectacular fundraising efforts.

In 2013 Tom retired from the Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial VA Hospital in Bedford, MA after 27 years of dedicated service making their signage. His favorite self-made name tag said “I love my job.”

After retiring, he moved to Mechanicsburg, PA to be closer to family. He participated in the Messiah Lifeways and Lifetime programs where he met his longtime girlfriend, Melanie.

Tom is survived by his sister-in-law, Nancy Bailey; his siblings, Bill Bailey, of Grand Junction, CO, Dave (Pat Acker) Bailey, of Mechanicsburg, PA, Mary Ann (Bob) Sousa, of Sanford, ME, his nieces and nephews, Laura (Sal) Lavalle, Paula (Alan) Rainey, Dan (Angie) Putnam, Jesse Bailey, Amanda Sousa, Carey (Harper) Myers and Heather Henstrum in addition to several great nieces and nephews.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Paul Bailey.

A memorial service will be held in Lowell, MA at the discretion and time of the families choosing.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Tom’s name may be made to the Activities Department at Sarah A. Todd Memorial Home.