Melville C. Bailey

Melville C Bailey II, 78, of Dallas, Texas passed away peacefully on May 6, 2023, surrounded by family and friends.

Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late Raymond N. Bailey Jr. and Virginia Bailey.

Mel was a graduate of Westfield High School, class of 1962, and attended Cornell University where he obtained both his Bachelor of Science and Master of Engineering in 1966 and 1967, respectively.

He worked as a systems engineer for Bell Laboratories and Bell Communication Research from 1967 to 1996. After retiring, he put his love of numbers to use as a seasonal tax preparer with H&R Block from 1997 to 2010.

Mel also served with the Westfield Volunteer Rescue Squad for 15 years, where he was an Honorary Member and past President. He also did income tax assistance for AARP.

Mel had a passion for travel and an unfaltering love for his travel and life partner, Charles Neal Ausburn.

Surviving Mel in addition to his life partner are his cousins, Richard Heins and Robin Heins Mercadante; his godchildren, Sabrina N. Mercadante and Thomas J. Firneno Jr.; and his beloved friends.

Mel was known to everybody that met him as a classy gentleman. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends but will always be remembered for his love of life and those that were a part of it.

Private funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to The Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.