Misaskim was notified this morning about the sudden passing of Mr. Errington Albert Bailey, a dedicated and compassionate staff member at the NYC Medical Examiner’s Brooklyn Office. Mr. Bailey was found deceased in his apartment by authorities after failing to show up at work. He was 57 years old. Misaskim is deeply saddened and would like to express our sincerest condolence to Mr. Bailey’s family and to the entire staff at the Medical Examiner’s office.

Misaskim representatives began interacting with Mr. Bailey in 1986 – many years before the organization was officially established. Mr. Bailey has been a dear friend to Misaskim and to the community since then. He has gone above and beyond the call of duty to accommodate families who have experienced a sudden and tragic lost. This included traveling back to his office after working hours on Motzei Shabbos or Yom Tov so that a levaya can be made on time.

Hundreds, if not thousands, of niftarim came to kvura in timely manner due to the intervention of Mr. Bailey during the past 25 years. He readily agreed to come back to the office after working hours to complete the proper paperwork so that a niftar can be buried right away. Mr. Bailey was always available regardless of the short notice he was often given. When families needed to catch a flight to Eretz Yisroel with a niftar, Mr. Bailey never hesitated to quickly process the paperwork at every hour of the day or night in order to ensure that no delays were incurred.

In certain communities, when a levaya was scheduled on Yom Tov Sheni, Mr. Bailey did all that was needed to accommodate the family despite the fact that they were unable to sign the paperwork on Yom Tov.

In addition, Mr. Bailey never hesitated to intervene on Misaskim’s behalf when other offices or coroners were involved. Misaskim always cited the actions of the NYC Medical Examiner’s Office and Mr. Bailey’s actions during training seminars it conducted for medical examiners across the nation. They served as a role model of stellar community relations and sensitivity toward religious traditions related to death.

Misaskim is deeply humbled and grateful for the kindness and respect toward Jewish traditions that was continuously demonstrated by Mr. Bailey. Those who wish to join Misaskim in conveying our condolences to the Medical Examiner’s Office can do so by clicking HERE.

(YWN Desk – NYC)