Obituary of Michael Robert Bailey

Michael Robert Bailey, of Kennett Square, Pa. passed away on December 8, 2020 at the age of 39. Michael grew up in Woodlyn and Ridley Park, Pa. He attended Ridley High School where he was an all-star baseball player and helped lead the team deep into the playoffs in the 1999 season. He loved that team and was so proud of what they all accomplished. He studied business at Pennsylvania Institute of Technology and Denver University, and graduated with a degree in Brewing Science from Siebel Institute of Technology in Chicago, Ill. He was an avid Philadelphia sports fan. He shared his love of sports with his father. The pair held Phillies season tickets for many years and watched every minute of the Eagles’ 2017 Championship season side by side. Michael’s interests were varied, which was reflected in his choice of careers. He worked with special education students at The Joshua School in Denver, Colo. and the Delaware Autism Program. He spent time in Hawaii working on a friend’s farm. His fermentation science education and love of fine foods led him to a career as a cheesemonger, a true passion, in Rehoboth Beach, Del. and Kennett Square, Pa. Michael was a talented amateur photographer whose stunning photos exemplified his love of nature. He loved music of all kinds and knew the perfect song for every moment. He spent many hours with his girlfriend, Kate, listening to records on his grandmother’s record player. He was a foodie and appreciated locally sourced menus and farmstead cheeses. He was most at home at his parents’ beach house where he immersed himself in the simple things of life like bird watching, walking in the woods and friendships. Michael had a special way with people and formed families of friends wherever he lived and worked. He showed kindness in all situations and brought a smile to the faces of everyone he met. Michael is survived by his parents, Ernie and Patti Bailey; his beloved girlfriend Kate Sharon, his dog, Keva and many loving aunts, uncles and cousins. A celebration of Michael’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks friends and family to perform a random act of kindness in Michael’s honor.