Stewart Gordon “Stu” Bailey spent a lifetime showing up for others — for students, athletes, neighbors, church members, friends, and most especially, for his family. For nearly seven decades, Brecksville has been blessed by his steady presence, generous spirit, and unwavering commitment to service.

Stu began his career in education in 1956 after earning his Bachelor’s degree in History and Secondary Education from Hiram College. Dedicated to lifelong learning, he later earned a Master’s degree in Education and History from Kent State University. That same year, he and his beloved wife, Dot Bailey, made Brecksville their home, beginning a remarkable 69-year partnership built on love, faith, family, and service.

For generations of students and families in the Brecksville-Broadview Heights community, Stu became a familiar and trusted figure. During his 38 years with Brecksville Schools, from 1956 through 1994, he served in many roles including teacher, guidance counselor, coach, mentor, bus driver, and steadfast supporter of student activities. Yet no title could fully capture the countless ways he quietly gave of himself to help students succeed and to strengthen the community he loved.

Stu’s dedication to BBHHS athletics became legendary. From 1957 through 1994, he timed every home junior varsity and varsity football game. Beginning in 1958 and continuing for 36 years, he faithfully operated the clock and scoreboard for home JV and varsity basketball games. In the 1960s, he coached track teams while also driving the bus to meets, and he pioneered opportunities for younger athletes by encouraging 8th graders to participate in track practice, helping inspire a lifelong love of sports and teamwork in countless students.

Through the 1980s, Stu opened the middle school gym for 7th and 8th grade basketball teams and volunteered his time to run the clock and scoreboard for their games as well. From 1983 to 1994, he served as the junior varsity golf coach and occasionally coached varsity golf. Whether under stadium lights, in a crowded gymnasium, or on the golf course, Stu could always be counted on to be there — dependable, encouraging, and deeply invested in the young people around him.

One of Stu’s greatest passions was bringing history to life for his students. Over the years, he supervised more than twenty Washington, D.C. trips for 8th grade U.S. History students, guiding groups ranging from 30 to over 100 teenagers through the nation’s capital. Anyone who has ever traveled with middle school students knows the patience, organization, humor, and care such an undertaking requires. For many students, these trips became unforgettable memories and formative experiences because of Stu’s leadership and dedication.

After retiring from the schools in 1994, Stu’s commitment to service never slowed. From 1995 through 2010, he drove the city van for senior citizens, helping neighbors remain connected and cared for. Throughout his life, he also faithfully served the Brecksville United Church of Christ in many capacities, living out his values through kindness, compassion, and inclusion.

Stu was a strong advocate for educational support for youth, a supporter of AFS exchange students, drug and alcohol recovery programs, and an outspoken advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. He believed deeply in treating every person with dignity and respect, and his life reflected those beliefs every single day.

Beyond his many public contributions, Stu’s greatest joy has always been his family. He is the devoted husband of Dot Bailey, loving father of Curtis Bailey (1965–2020) and Karen Bailey Hernandez, and proud grandfather whose presence could always be found in the stands at basketball games, lacrosse matches, school concerts, and countless family events. Even now, he continues to enjoy reading, puzzles, sports, volunteering, spending time with loved ones, and learning new technology with curiosity and determination.

Though health concerns now keep him away from Ohio winters and bring him to Florida from November through April, Stu’s impact continues to be felt in both communities. Wherever he goes, people are better because he is there.

Those who know Stu best speak not only of his accomplishments, but of his character. He is the same person at home, at church, in school hallways, and on the sidelines of athletic events — honest, intelligent, compassionate, humble, and deeply kind. His life stands as a testament to integrity, consistency, and service to others.

For his family, former students, colleagues, athletes, and friends, Stu Bailey represents the very best of what one person can give to a community. His legacy is not measured in awards or recognition, but in the thousands of lives he encouraged, supported, guided, and loved so well over the course of a remarkable life.