Richard J. Baisley, Sr.

Richard Baisley, Sr., a long time resident of West Palm Beach (WPB) and Greenacres, died August 21, 2017 at home with his family. Born in Peekskill, NY on Feb. 23, 1939, son of Albert and Lillian Baisley, he enjoyed a full and happy life. A student of the Assumption School & Peekskill HS class of 1957, he went on to seminary at Maryknoll Fathers. After a short stint in the Marine Corps, Richard worked in the Peekskill Post Office from 1960-1969 and was a member of the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) Branch 153. He was in the Knights of Columbus #462 and served as a Fireman on Columbian Engine Company #1. He was also the Company President from 1965-1967 and Firematic Office of Lieutenant. He earned the rank of Captain, holding that office until he relocated to Florida in 1969.

He joined the WPB Police Department and served 3 years before transferring to the Palm Beach Police Dept. where he served 7 years attaining the rank of Detective. He was a Lifetime member of the Fraternal Order of Police #19. He coached McArthur Little Major League baseball throughout the 70’s and served on its Board of Directors.

Richard returned to the Post Office as a Letter Carrier in WPB serving his community for 30 years. He was an active member of NALC Branch 1690 serving as Treasurer, Executive Board, Shop Steward, Trustee, and President of the 1690 Holding Corp. from 82-86.

An active member of St. Lukes Parish from 1969-1981, he served training Altar Servers and as a Eucharistic Minister, Lector, and was on the Stewardship Committee. He coached the Girls softball team, worked on church festivals and many other duties. After transferring to Holy Name of Jesus Parish, he was a member of Center Stage Players, acting in Fiddler on the Roof, You Can’t Take it With You and Kiss Me Kate. He was also the Parish Santa Claus for many years. He was a Life Member of the K of C, Holy Name Council 15619, and Sir Knight of The 4th Degree, Assembly 2709. He took part in the first Christ Renews His Parish (CHRP 1) at Holy Name as well.

Richard and his wife Eileen were active in Marriage Encounter of South Central Florida. They served together as facilitators and leaders of many Encounters and Focus Couple Interviewers for Holy Name and helped start the program at the Diocese of Palm Beach. Richard served the church in many roles including the Funeral Ministry.

He was active in service to his community and church his entire life in more roles than can be listed from law enforcement, the church, post office, and even donating over 16 Gallons of Blood as a member if the PB Blood Bank.

Richard is survived by the love of his life, Eileen, his wife of 57 years, his 4 Children and their spouses, Robert and wife Christine, Nancy and Husband Paul Roedel, Patricia and Husband Gordon Smith, and Richard Jr. and wife Patrice, nine grandchildren: Caitlin, Joshua, Mary, Ruth, Jessica, Audrey, Rebecca, Branden, and Hope and one Great Granddaughter Alice as well as Caitlin’s Mother, Sue White-Baisley.

Richard asked that we celebrate his life at Holy Name of Jesus Church. In lieu of flowers his family requests you send donations to: Holy Name of Jesus Food Pantry, 345 S. Military Trail, WPB, FL. 33415 or Vitas Hospice, 5420 NW 33rd Ave, Suite 100, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33309.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered 10:00 AM Saturday, September 2, 2017 at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, West Palm Beach, the Rev. Seamus Murtagh celebrant. Burial with military honors will follow at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Cemetery, Royal Palm Beach. The family will receive relatives and friends 2-4 & 6-8 PM Friday at Tillman Funeral Home & Crematory, 2170 S. Military Trail, West Palm Beach, where prayers will be said at 7:00 PM.