Warren A. Bailey, 72

LACONIA — Warren A. Bailey, 72, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and cherished community leader, passed away peacefully at home on Aug. 22, 2025.

Born on Nov. 2, 1952, in Rockland, Massachusetts, Warren grew up in Braintree and graduated from Braintree High School in 1970. From a young age, he knew his calling was radio. With his trademark humor, he often quipped that he “had a face for radio.” At just 14, he obtained his broadcaster’s license and began reading the morning news at a station in Newport, launching what would become a remarkable and influential career.

Over the decades, Warren’s voice became a familiar and comforting presence across New England. His career highlights include:

• 1972–76 — Journalist for WFEA in Manchester
• 1976–2007 — Morning radio host & operations manager at WLNH 98.3
• 2002–04 — Owner of WKXL
• 2007–2015 — Advertising sales, on air and online at Comcast Spotlight
• 2015–2025 — Founder & marketing director of WB Media1

Along the way, he interviewed national figures such as Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan, Bob Dole and Adrian Cronauer, while also giving countless local voices a platform to be heard.

His contributions to broadcasting and his community were widely recognized. Warren was honored with the 2000 NHAB Broadcaster of the Year Award, the 2007 “Jim” Irwin Community Recognition Award, the 2018 WEEI 101.5 Home Town Hero Award, and the 2024 Andrew L. Felker Award. In 2023, he became the first recipient of the Warren Bailey Community Service Award, created by the New Hampshire Association of Broadcasters to honor his enduring legacy. He also proudly served on the board of the Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce.

Of all his achievements, none was more meaningful to Warren than founding the Children’s Auction in 1982. What began with a few donated items in the back of a radio station van grew into an annual tradition that has raised millions for local nonprofits, supporting countless families in the Lakes Region. Known affectionately as the “father” of the auction, Warren believed deeply that “the microphone is a powerful tool — do something meaningful with it.”

Warren is survived by his loving wife, Cheryl Bailey; his children, Chris Baron of Chesapeake, Virginia, Adam Bailey of Alstead, Alissa Bailey of Concord, Alex Bailey of Laconia, Ashley McEndarfer and her husband Ryan of Ashby, Massachusetts, Jessica Taylor of New Hampton, Cassie Rolland and her husband Jesse of Belmont, and Patrick Taylor and his wife Eloisa of Yuma, Arizona; his many treasured grandchildren and great-grandchildren; his sister DonAna Hutchings and her husband Russ; and his brother Ken Bailey and his wife Donna.

He was predeceased by his son Scott Baron, his parents Barbara and Walter Bailey, and his brother Kevin Bailey.

A celebration of life will be held from noon to 4 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 12, at Gunstock Mountain Resort, 719 Cherry Valley Road, Gilford. Family, friends, and community members are warmly invited to gather and honor the incredible life and legacy of “Mr. B.”

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Greater Lakes Region Children’s Auction in memory of Warren, 383 S. Main St., Laconia, NH 03246, or to The Lakes Region Scholarship Foundation — Warren Bailey Scholarship, P.O. Box 7312, Gilford, NH 03247.

Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, 164 Pleasant St., is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, visit wilkinsonbeane.com.