Francis "Frank" Charles Bailey, BHS 1955

Francis "Frank" Charles Bailey, BHS 1955

Francis "Frank" Charles Bailey of Goleta passed away peacefully at Serenity House in Santa Barbara on May 24, 2026, at the age of 88, surrounded by loved ones. 

Frank was born on January 22, 1938 in Burbank, California to Charles and Elinore Bailey. After graduating from Burbank High School, he attended UCSB in Goleta. Post-graduation, he joined the Army and was stationed in Germany, and later stationed back in America. He rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and went to Vietnam, where he led a Field Artillery Unit. Upon his return from Vietnam, Frank taught ROTC at UCSB. 

After leaving the service, Frank pursued a career in real estate and opened his own realty company, El Dorado Realty. He later worked as a bus driver trainer and taught CPR classes. Over the years Frank engaged in community activities including coaching YFL football, volunteering at The Boys and Girls Clubs, and maintaining memberships in The Optimists Club of Goleta and The Santa Barbara Elks Club, Lodge #613. 

Frank had many hobbies and interests: fishing off the Goleta Beach Pier, walking at Lake Los Carneros and Stowe Grove Park, camping, geo-caching, and playing and enjoying music. A self-taught musician, Frank played a wide variety of instruments and was always up for collaborating with fellow musicians or joining in a jam session. 

There was always a garden in his yard, which he tended with care. He enjoyed sharing his fruit and vegetable bounty with family, friends, and neighbors. Frank could lighten the mood of any room with a clever quip or a joke, and will be remembered for his often next-level funny sarcasm. He was a wizard at solving crossword puzzles. 

Frank is survived by his wife of 51 years, Janet; son, Sam (spouse Leslie); son Matt (spouse Michele); daughter Lily Rosenbaum (spouse Mitch Rosenbaum); stepdaughter Susan Moriarity (spouse Vaughn Bunch); stepdaughter Erin Moriarity; granddaughters Amanda, Kaity and Maddy; grandsons Austin, Robby, CJ and Jack Bunch; great-granddaughter Willow; great-grandson Luca, as well as extended family members, countless friends, and many international exchange students he and Janet hosted in their home through the years. Last but not least, he leaves his loyal dog and BFF, Bailey.

The family kindly requests that you share this memorial with anyone who was touched by Frank's life. We encourage you to visit his online tribute page at Legacy.com to leave a message of condolence or to share a favorite memory.

"Good night, sweet prince, and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest."

~Wm. Shakespeare