Senate Resolution No. 1429

BY: Senator PARKER

MOURNING the death of Horace Hectford Bailey, Sr.,
devoted family man and esteemed member of his
community

WHEREAS, There are certain outstanding members of our community who,
through their selfless commitment and dedication, have served to better
the quality of life in our community and have had a measurable positive
impact on the lives of its residents; Horace Hectford Bailey, Sr. was
one such individual; and

WHEREAS, It is with profound sorrow and deep regret that this
Legislative Body records the passing of Horace Hectford Bailey, Sr. on
November 20, 2025, a devoted husband, father, grandfather,
great-grandfather, man of faith, entrepreneur, and respected community
leader, whose life was marked by perseverance, humility, and service to
others; and

WHEREAS, Horace Hectford Bailey, Sr. was born on November 20, 1943,
in a rural community in the Parish of Manchester, Jamaica, where he
developed the resilience, discipline, and strong work ethic that would
define his life's journey; and

WHEREAS, After the untimely loss of his mother at the age of seven,
Horace faced life's challenges with remarkable fortitude, completing his
primary education and pursuing training at a trade school, thereby
laying the foundation for a lifetime of honest labor and
entrepreneurship; and

WHEREAS, Horace Hectford Bailey, Sr. began his professional life as
a barber in Clarendon, Jamaica, where he met his beloved wife, Hyacinth,
with whom he shared 50 years of marriage and raised seven children in a
home rooted in love, faith, and mutual respect; and

WHEREAS, He went on to expand his skills beyond barbering into
carpentry and later established and successfully operated a trucking
business for more than a decade, exemplifying determination and
self-reliance; and

WHEREAS, In 1991, Horace Hectford Bailey, Sr. immigrated to
Brooklyn, New York, with his wife and children in pursuit of greater
opportunities, contributing meaningfully to the economic and civic life
of his adopted community; and

WHEREAS, In New York, he continued to serve others through his work
as a part-time barber and as an employee in the medical services field,
working in the building services department at Brook Plaza Medical and
later as a supervisor at Flushing Hospital, where he remained until his
retirement in 2013; and

WHEREAS, Following his retirement, Horace Hectford Bailey, Sr.
fulfilled a lifelong dream by opening Sir B's Barber Shop in Brooklyn,
which became more than a place of business-it served as a center of
mentorship, encouragement, wisdom, and community connection; and


WHEREAS, A long-serving Deacon at Bethlehem Baptist Church in
Brooklyn, Horace Hectford Bailey, Sr. dedicated his life to faith-based
service, quietly uplifting others through kindness, compassion, and
steadfast devotion to God and community; and

WHEREAS, Known affectionately as "Sir B," "Mr. Bailey," and "Deacon
Bailey," he was admired for his gentle spirit, moral integrity, and
unwavering belief in hard work, often reminding those around him that
"the reward for good work is more work"; and

WHEREAS, Horace found joy in his faith, his family, and his love of
music, particularly spending Sunday afternoons playing the guitar after
church, a reflection of his peaceful and grateful spirit; and

WHEREAS, Horace Hectford Bailey, Sr. is survived by his devoted
wife, Hyacinth; two sons; five daughters; 20 grandchildren; three
great-grandchildren; five brothers; one sister; and a large extended
family of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will forever cherish
his memory; and

WHEREAS, His life leaves an enduring legacy of perseverance, faith,
service, and love that will continue to inspire generations within his
family and the broader community; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the passing of Horace Hectford Bailey, Sr., and to extend its
deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all those who were
privileged to know him; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Horace Hectford Bailey, Sr.