"Lynn: Deeply saddened on hearing of the passing of Beetle. The many memories of our vacations skiing out west, white water rafting in Maine,the ski racing program,the village house on Saturday nights and of course the Cannon Mt. pub at happy hour.will always be fond memories.Kay and I offer our sincere sympathies to you and your family.May he rest in peace and always be in our hearts and prayers God Bless Kay/Fritzie"
In loving memory of
Madison Armand Bailey
December 23, 1936 - November 14, 2021
Madison A. Bailey Jr., 84, of Bath, NH, formerly of Portsmouth, RI, passed away on Sunday, November 14, 2021. Madison, known to many of his friends as Beetle, was born on December 23, 1936 in Concord, NH to the late Madison and Bessie (La Bonty) Bailey. He was the husband of F. Lynn (Hathaway) Bailey for the past 63 years.
Madison moved to Newport, RI as a teenager and attended Rogers High School. After a short stint in the Navy, he spent his career in law enforcement, starting with his appointment to the Portsmouth Police force in 1967. He was promoted up the ranks quickly, being appointed to Deputy Chief in 1970 and to Chief in 1981; a position he held until his retirement in 1994. During his many years as a police officer, he continued his education, graduating with a degree in Criminal Justice from Salve Regina in 1973. The next year he had the unique distinction of being the first officer from the area to attend the FBI National Academy in Quantico, VA. He earned many distinctions throughout his career including the FBI firearms expert award for saving the life of a child. A pinnacle of his career was his service as the Chief of both the RI Police Chief's Association as well as the New England Police Chief's Association. He also served for many years as the Chief of Security for Newport Jai Alai.
Madison met his wife Lynn at Roger's High School and they married in 1958. He had an adventurous personal life that included hunting, fishing, boating, scuba diving, earning his private pilot's license, and competitive downhill ski racing. He enjoyed racing with his ski team until illness sidelined him in 2020.
Madison is preceded in death by his son Alan M. Bailey. He is survived by his wife Lynn and his children Terri-Lynn and her husband Mark Thayer of Portsmouth, RI and Eric Bailey and his wife Dawn of New Hampshire. He leaves grandchildren, Adam Thayer and wife Katherine Loffredo, Erica (Thayer) Iorio and husband Matthew Iorio, Peyton Bailey and Allison Bailey. He also leaves great grandchildren Ethan and Emma Iorio.
Visiting hours will be held Thursday, November 18, 2021, from 4:00-7:00 pm at Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport RI. Funeral service and burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123, or by visiting www.cancer.org
Tributes
"Dear Lynn, very sorry to hear about "Beetle" He was so much fun and so funny at Cannon. I remember seeing him underneath a chairlift and yelling "hey Beetle, I got another good joke for ya," or "hey Bill I[ve got a good funny one for you" and we'd laugh so hard on the sides of trails sometimes we could hardly stand up. i remember his all day cookouts on the side of Taft trail, grille and picnic table included or grilling in the Peabody parking lot in the spring. You never knew what he'd say. That'd made him so funny. I always used to look for him during the week after i retired from teaching.: he, Loggie, and Fitzy. When reading his obituary, I didn't know he had so many awards and so much training. Seeing him away from skiing, he was so professional and quiet. Rest in peace, Beetle and continue your jokes. Always, Bill Symonds ' "
"JOHN MARTINS Retired Portsmouth Police Department With my deepest sympathy to the family for your loss. I worked under Madison (Beetle) for 20 years on the Portsmouth Police Department. Also did security under Madison at Newport Jai Alai. He was a great leader and inspiration to me. We will be missed and remembered by myself and many others. "
"I was sadden to read of the passing of Madison (Beetle). My sympathy to the Bailey family. Beetle was truly a great friend to all who knew him. I will always remember the times we would do body guarding for celebrities traveling throughout Northeast area and working on cases with him that affected the town of Middletown and Portsmouth. It was also a pleasure working with him while doing security at Jai Alai. He is a friend who will be truly missed but always remembered. Bob Bucci Sgt.-Retired Middletown Police Department"
"My sincere sympathy to the family of Madison A Bailey Jr. I had the pleasure to work with Chief Bailey during my time with the Rhode Island State Police. Chief Bailey was a true gentleman and professional. May he Rest In Peace. Billy Eckert Retired Detective Lieutenant RI State Police"
"ON BEHALF OF THE OLD PROBATION DEPARTMENT CONDOLENCES TO ALL THE BAILEY FAMILY AND THE PORTSMOUTH POLICE ON THE DEATH OF ONE GOOD MAN. MAY GOD HOLD HIM IN THE HALLOW OF HIS HAND. "
"I am so very sorry for the passing of Chief Bailey. He was such an awesome man. I cherish all the 'ski' memories made while spent with the Bailey clan. Please know that I am forever grateful for having known him and all The Baileys. Peace to you all. With love, Justin Ouellette"
"My deepest sympathy to Lynn and the Bailey family. Their loss surfaces many memories of a true leader and friend. May God bless "
"Our sincere sympathy to the Bailey Family. Sincerely, Raymond and Deborah Dutra"
"Chief, you have been missed by those of us who worked with and under you. Over the coming years we will join you on patrol once more. Thank you for your leadership over the years. Bruce and Cheryl McAskill"
""He whom we love and lose is no longer where he used to be. Instead he is everywhere we are." xoxoThe Oliveiras"