Edward Bailey, Jr., 76, of Warren, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at Abingdon Care & Rehabilitation Center in Green Brook, New Jersey.

Born on May 15, 1950, at St. Peter's Hospital in New Brunswick, New Jersey, Edward was the beloved son of Edward and Bernadine (Arnould) Bailey. At the age of three, he and his family moved to Plainfield, where he was raised and spent his formative years. He later resided in Bridgewater before making Warren his home in 1987, where he remained for nearly four decades.

Known to family and friends as "Eddie," he graduated from Plainfield High School, where he left a lasting mark on the school's athletic history. In 1968, he became Plainfield High School's last New Jersey State Champion wrestler, capturing the state title in the 130-pound weight class. That same year, he was honored with the Plainfield Rotary Club Optimist Award, a reflection of both his athletic accomplishments and the character he displayed on and off the mat. His passion for wrestling never faded, and throughout his life he remained an enthusiastic follower of Olympic and collegiate wrestling.

Following high school, Eddie began his career with Approved Fire Protection in 1972. Through years of hard work and dedication, he and his twin brother, Robert, became co-owners of the company in 1982. Together, they successfully led the business for nearly three decades before Eddie retired in 2010. Throughout his career, he earned the respect of his colleagues, customers, and friends through his integrity, strong work ethic, and quiet leadership.

Outside of work, Eddie believed in living an active and disciplined life. He enjoyed running before work each morning, spent years studying judo at dojos in Cranford, and loved staying fit at the gym, where he especially enjoyed working the speed bag and attending spinning classes. As part of his Parkinson's exercise program, he also enjoyed ballroom dancing. Around his home, Eddie found great satisfaction in maintaining a beautifully kept yard, taking pride in every detail and always striving to keep it immaculate.

Eddie also appreciated life's simpler pleasures. He loved watching classic films, especially Abbott and Costello comedies, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, King Kong, and virtually every Clint Eastwood movie. Whether enjoying an old favorite film or watching Olympic or collegiate wrestling, he was happiest spending quiet time with those he loved.

Above all else, Eddie will be remembered as a kind, generous, and compassionate man. He believed deeply in giving back to others and faithfully supported numerous charitable organizations throughout his life, including St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, the ASPCA, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, and The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research. His generosity reflected the quiet, caring way he lived each day.

Edward shared 45 wonderful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Paige Bailey. Together they built a life centered on love, family, and unwavering devotion to one another. Of all life's blessings, Eddie especially treasured the time he spent with his granddaughters, Paige and Regan. Whether sharing stories, celebrating milestones, or simply enjoying their company, they brought him immeasurable joy and were among the greatest blessings of his life.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his loving daughter, Kirsten Coffey Marquez; his cherished granddaughters, Paige Marquez and Regan Marquez; his twin brother, Robert Bailey and his wife, Denise, of Summerville, South Carolina; his sister, Bernadine Bauer and her husband, Barry, of Rehoboth Beach, Delaware; and his nephews, Robert Bailey and his wife, Lisa, of Edison, New Jersey, James Bailey of Florida, and David Muessig of Pennsylvania. He was predeceased by his sister, Eileen Muessig, and his brother-in-law, Richard Muessig.

Eddie's strength, generosity, humility, and gentle spirit will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy lives on through the love he shared with his family, the friendships he cherished, the example he set through kindness and hard work, and the countless lives touched by his quiet generosity. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects on Sunday, August 9, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Higgins Home For Funerals, 752 Mountain Blvd., Watchung, New Jersey.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Edward's memory may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.