Deacon Normand C. Bailey, who held the distinction of serving as the first ordained permanent deacon in St. Rose Parish, Belmar, died Aug. 25 in Jersey Shore Medical Center, Neptune. He was 86.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Aug. 30 in St. Rose Church. Burial was in St. Anne Cemetery, Wall.
Born in Nashua, N.H., Deacon Bailey graduated from South Western University, Washington, and was employed for 30 years as a budget officer for the U.S. government in Washington. He served as a corporal in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Following his retirement from government service, he worked in Taylor’s Hardware in Belmar.
Deacon Bailey was ordained a deacon for the Trenton Diocese May 14, 1994, by Bishop John C. Reiss. In St. Rose Parish, he was a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Altar-Rosary Society and he and his wife, Marie, served as bereavement counselors for 17 years. He was also a volunteer in pastoral care in Jersey Shore Medical Center.
In addition to his wife of 66 years, Marie (Pearson) Bailey, Deacon Bailey is survived by two daughters, Maria Tischio of Shark River Hills, Neptune, and Michele (Michael) Marsango of Lakewood; three grandchildren; five great grandchildren, a sister and two nephews.
Memorial donations may be made to St. Rose Parish, 603 7th Ave., Belmar, N.J. 07719.