Donovan B. Bailey

Donovan Donald Bernard Bailey, affectionately known as “Donnie” and “Gramps,” was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and respected quality and safety engineering professional. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 2025. Born on April 17, 1948, at Orange Memorial Hospital in Orange, New Jersey, Donovan was the cherished son of Bertha Lee Bailey and Richard Allen Bailey. He grew up surrounded by love and laughter as the youngest of his three siblings: Ronald, Brenda, and Annette, who each held a special place in his heart.

Donovan was a proud graduate of Orange High School in 1966 before continuing his education at Graham Junior College in Boston, where he majored in accounting. During his college years, he distinguished himself as a chess champion, showcasing the strategy, patience, and sharp thinking that would later define both his career and his character.

His career began at the Leslie Company in New Jersey where he established the foundation for a long and respected career in safety and quality assurance, contributing to the production of critical components for U.S. Navy ships.  Donovan later relocated to Tampa, Florida to continue his work with the company before ultimately settling in Cincinnati, Ohio. There he joined EPCOR Foundries, where he devoted more than 25 years as a Safety and Quality Assurance Engineer and Manager, ensuring excellence in automotive parts manufacturing, including the Ford Supercharger.  His colleagues remembered him as diligent, dependable, and deeply committed to ensuring excellence and safety in all that he did.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Donovan was a man of many gifts. As a talented harmonica player, he brought joy to those around him as he played Stevie Wonder solos along with his favorite records. Music was his comfort, his pastime, and his way of filling the room with warmth. His love for family, music, sports, and quiet moments defined the steady, gentle presence he offered to everyone he met.

In his younger years, he embraced the joy of travel, exploring places like Japan, London, Paris, and Bermuda. As a die-hard New York Giants fan, he cheered for Eli Manning and his team with unwavering loyalty through every season. He also rooted for the New York Mets and shared countless laughs watching basketball with his beloved sister-cousin, Kymmberly Hodge, and often talked trash in their group chat. He was an avid admirer of Stephen Curry, and he stayed up late during his final days to watch the Golden State Warriors play, because for him, sports were more than games; they were moments of connection and joy.

On November 5, 1977, Donovan married the love of his life, Deboroah Ann Denise Bailey. Together they shared a beautiful 48-year marriage filled with devotion, partnership, and countless memories. Donovan’s greatest pride was his three daughters: Frenchetta Bailey, Donyetta Bailey, and Vaughnetta Caldwell (Quincy) whom he cherished deeply.

Donovan’s greatest joy was his family. He was preceded in death by his father, Richard Allen Bailey; his mother, Bertha “Ma” Bailey; his brother, Ronald “Ronnie” Bailey; his sisters, Brenda and Annette Bailey; and his nephew, Waali Bailey. His legacy lives on through his beloved daughters; his cherished grandchildren—Jeffrey, Torrence, Mikyla, Davis, Malachi, and Micah; his great-grandchildren—Nayla, Jolaiya, and Jeffrey III; his nieces and nephews—Rhonda, Tonya, Ron, Atiya, Rashun, Deanna and Carlos “Junny;” and a host of other family and friends who loved him dearly. He also shared a loyal and loving bond with his faithful German Shepherd, Delta.

Donovan will be remembered for his calm spirit, strong work ethic, quick wit, and enduring love for his family. His presence was a source of strength for many, and his absence will be felt deeply by all who knew him.  The Bailey family invites loved ones to honor and celebrate the life of a remarkable man whose legacy of love, dedication, and quiet strength will live on forever.

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