Phillip "Phil" Dean Bailey

Phillip “Phil” Dean Bailey, 69, of Machesney Park, IL, passed away under the care of Mo Cara Hospice on Friday, April 17, 2026, after a short illness. Born on Sunday, September 2, 1956, in Belvidere, IL, the son of Ronald and Patricia (Powers) Bailey. He graduated from Hononegah High School in 1974. He met the love of his life Belinda Fletcher at the Prairie Moon Saloon in June of 1987, and they were married on August 13, 1990, in Rockford, IL.

Before marrying Belinda, Phil was a foster dad. When recounting that time in his life, he was proud to have been able to support children during their time of need by providing a safe haven for them.

Phil had a proud and dedicated career as a salesman with JRM International and Eric J Gustafson Co. He was proud of his decades long continual learning and mastering his craft as a Grade A class gear grinder and CNC machinist at Rockwell International, Siemens, Durst, and several other companies throughout his career.

During his younger years, Phil spent countless hours at Rockford Speedway both as a racer and a fan of the sport. He often talked about his time both on and off the track as some of his life highlights. He loved playing softball at Forest Hills Diamonds and Players Park in Roscoe. So much so, that when his daughter took up softball and needed a coach, he stepped up coaching her and her friends on and off the field. There were countless hours spent in the backyard working on popups, grounders and batting stances.

As a youth Phil was a proud Life Rank Scout with Boy Scout Troop 601. He was inducted into the Order of the Arrow in 1970. He made lifelong friends and memories that he said helped shape him into the person he became. He appreciated what Scouting did for him so much as a youth that when his son joined, he became a dedicated parent both at the Pack and Troop level. He spent time in the garage with Jonathon building Pinewood Derby cars, and other Scouting woodworking projects. When his grandchildren joined Scouting, he ensured that they had every opportunity to join and participate to the fullest. He even became a Den Leader with Pack 418 when his grandson got involved in Scouting. He loved getting to watch his grandchildren’s Scouting journey and was so proud of the skills they were learning. He challenged both of them to go further in Scouting than he did and they are both working towards that goal due to his unwavering dedication, time, and belief in both of them and the program.

Phil was a fierce protector, dedicated employee, jokester, friend, car enthusiast, jack of all trades, but the titles he cherished most were husband, father, and pa. He was not a grandpa, or grandfather, but a Pa. He eventually became a Pa-Pa because he passed down his sassy attitude to his granddaughter who decided he needed a new nickname because it made him laugh. Phil’s children introduced him to their friends and they quickly became chosen family. This gave him an extra title. Regardless of what these friends called him, he shared his time and love with them as well. He shared his love of fishing and music with Jonathon, which turned into fishing trips with his chosen kids as well.

He may not be remembered for the hours he worked, the supplies he sold, the races he ran, or the games he played, but he will forever be remembered for his sly smile, his silly dad joke humor, and the love that you could feel by simply being around him. His legacy of loyalty, resilience, tenacity, love, strength, dedication and determination will carry on through his family. To know Phil was to love Phil. His laugh was infectious, his smile ran to his eyes, and hugs were never in short supply.

Survivors include his wife, Belinda; daughter, Megan (James Crain-Diehl) Crain; daughter-in-law, Kaitlin Grant; grandson, Jackson Sorensen; granddaughter, Maia Crain; brother, Tim (Sonja) Bailey; sister-in-law, Pat Bailey; aunt, Karen Bailey; in-laws, Patrick Long and Iris Crain-Long; cousin, Karen Cole; chosen sons, Arron Stricker, Alex Rodden, Sebastian Danielewicz, Mike Schultz, John Oaks, Ian Owens, Nick Beach, and Nate Watkins; chosen daughters, Carrie Coleman, Taylor Hobol, Shannon Stallings, and Ashley (Van Sickle) Milnes; chosen grandchildren, Carlie Stricker, Micah and Lucy Rodden, River Beach, Milo Baker, and Jocilyn Puskas; best friend, Jim Burrdick; special friend and Godmother to his children, Joni Stanfa; special friend, Heather (Scott) Smith; many more cousins and family members.

Predeceased by his parents; son, Jonathon Bailey; in-laws, Mildred and John Fletcher; brother-in-law, Mark Fletcher; uncle, Bob Powers; aunt, Captola “Dee” Powers; special aunt, Shirley Bailey; uncle, Larry Bailey; and several cousins.

Service at 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at Delehanty Funeral Home, 401 River Lane, Loves Park, IL, with visitation from 5 p.m. to service time. Cremation rites accorded. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you come and share your memories.