Patrick L. Bailey

He was born in Dunkirk on July 6, 1943, the son of Wallace and Eleanor (Lynch) Bailey.

Patrick was a 1961 graduate of Cardinal Mindszenty High School. He received a Bachelor of Arts from Fredonia State, and later in life attended and graduated from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, N.Y.

After a short stint as a ninth grade history teacher at Dunkirk High School, he was employed as the director of the Dunkirk Youth Bureau. In 1977, Patrick joined his father at Walt’s Sporting Goods store in Dunkirk. At 44 years of age, he left the sporting goods business to pursue a culinary adventure. Upon graduation, Pat traveled west and found employment at the Red Lion Hotel at the San Jose, Calif., airport. Returning to Dunkirk, he worked as a line cook at The White Inn and then joined longtime friends: Karen and John Tinstman at their restaurant, The White Village.

On August 25, 1991, Patrick married Sylvia Higbee. They shared a love of boating and travel, and were fortunate to have friends in some of their favorite spots, Maine, Myrtle Beach and the Florida Keys. Together they operated a catering business, “For Your Pleasure” for more than 20 years. Patrick enjoyed traveling, reading, walking and boating. He was a life member, and past commodore, of the Dunkirk Yacht Club.

Patrick was predeceased by his parents.

He is survived by his wife, Sylvia Bailey; sister Ellen Bailey; nephews: Dan England and Andy Fessenden; niece, Beth England-White,; and stepsons: Ronald “Cricket” Davidson-Olson and Andrew Davidson; and numerous cherished cousins and grandchildren.

The family would like to extend their sincerest gratitude to Patrick’s physicians and other health care providers, especially to the staff at the Chautauqua Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, as well as Dalton and Judy Burgett and Ellen Bailey and Bill Meister who offered constant loving support to Patrick throughout his illness. Memorials in Patrick’s name can be made to the Dunkirk Public Library.

A private ceremony will be held at Willowbrook Park Cemetery. A celebration of life for family, friends and neighbors will be held Dec. 4, 2021, 1-4 p.m., at The White Village, 5362 W Lake Road, Dunkirk, NY 14048.

Arrangements are by the McGraw-Kowal Funeral Home.