Olean- Robert E. “Potato” Bailey, a longtime Olean resident, passed away Tuesday (January 19, 2021) at UPMC Hamot in Erie, PA.
Born July 12, 1953 in Olean, he was the son of the late, Roddie and Armeda Perugini Bailey.
He was a 1972 graduate of Olean High School and was a self -employed contractor in the Olean area. He was a longtime and avid Nascar and St. Bonaventure Bonnies fan and enjoyed watching the Buffalo Bills. Most of all, Potato loved dirt track racing; over many decades he worked on sprint cars and modifieds with much success.
Surviving are; one daughter, Erin (John) McStraw of Olean; two grandchildren, Abby and Evan Bailey; two sisters, Karen (Jeffery) Austin of Arcade, Nancy Klino of Erie, PA; two brothers, Kevin (Elaine) Bailey of San Antonio, TX., and Michael (Rachael) Bailey of Howard, OH; many aunts, uncles, cousins; and several nieces and nephews.
Due to COVID-19, private burial services will be in St. Bonaventure Cemetery. A memorial mass of Christian Burial will be held at the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels Church, and will be announced.
Memorials if desired, may be made to the St. Bonaventure University Athletic Department, PO Box G/ Route 417 St. Bonaventure, NY 14778.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Guenther Funeral Home, Inc., 1303 E. State Street, Olean. Online condolences can be expressed at www.guentherfh.com.