Lawrence (Larry) Bailey z”l
1931–2026 | In Loving Memory
Lawrence (Larry) Bailey, 95, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, passed away September 25, 2026 (14 Tishrei 5787). Raised in Princeton, New Jersey, Larry lived a remarkable life filled with creativity, curiosity, adventure, and a deep love of family.
Larry was born in 1931 and grew up in Princeton, where his parents, Murray and Ruth Schlosberg Bailey, had settled in the 1920s and established a family business. His parents were founding members of The Jewish Center (TJC) of Princeton.
Following World War II, Larry served in the United States military in Europe. Throughout his life, he combined an entrepreneurial spirit with artistic creativity, an enduring curiosity about the world, and a willingness to pursue new interests and adventures.
Larry began his business career in women’s fashion in New York City’s Greenwich Village, where he owned a store at 61 East 8th Street. It was there that he met his wife, Nancy, a student at New York University studying fashion and textiles, who came to work for him. Their meeting marked the beginning of a lifelong partnership and a marriage that lasted 62 years. Together, they built their life in East Brunswick, NJ and raised their three children.
Larry pursued a variety of businesses throughout his life, moving from women’s fashion to solar energy, and eventually to construction. He loved building and making things and never seemed to stop adding new things to his family home.
He loved painting, skiing, sailing, and raising animals. Larry was a gifted painter, continuing an artistic tradition that began with his father and lives on through his granddaughter. He loved skiing, a sport he began in his forties and continued into his eighties. All his family, and friends have amazing memories of skiing with “Pepa”. To many, he was affectionately known as “Captain.” He particularly cherished sailing trips with his nephew and cousins. Larry also was an amateur farmer. Over the years, his animal companions included chickens, pigeons, goats, and many, many dogs.
Above all, Larry was a sweet and loving man who treasured his time with his children, and their partners and his grandchildren.
Larry was predeceased by his beloved wife of 62 years, Nancy Bailey; his parents, Murray and Ruth Schlosberg Bailey; his brother, Ralph Bailey of Princeton; and his sister, Eunice Pat Davis of New Orleans, Louisiana.
He is survived by his three children: Brad Bailey and his wife, Cathy; Jenifer Wirtshafter and her husband, David; and Scott Bailey and his wife, Jory. He is also survived by his eight grandchildren: Ari, Gabi (Shai), Dani, Eli, Joseph, Noah, Rebecca, and Asher.
Larry leaves behind a legacy of creativity, entrepreneurial spirit, adventure, and love. He will be deeply missed by his family and all who knew him.
Funeral services are Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at 12 p.m. at The Jewish Center of Princeton, 435 Nassau Street, Princeton, New Jersey.
Burial will follow at Princeton Cemetery, 29 Greenview Avenue, Princeton, New Jersey.
The period of mourning will be observed at the following locations:
Tuesday, September 29: 6-8:00 p.m. at the home of Brad and Cathy Bailey in Princeton Junction, New Jersey
Wednesday, September 30: From 2–4 p.m. and 6–9:00 p.m. at the home of Jenifer and David Wirtshafter in Westfield, New Jersey.
Donations in Larry’s memory may be made to The Jewish Center of Princeton.
זכרונו לברכה May his memory be a blessing.
Funeral arrangements are by Orland’s Ewing Memorial Chapel.