Robert H. "Ty" Bailey

Robert H. Bailey, “Ty,” passed away peacefully in his Port Indian home with his family by his side. He was born on May 22, 1951 in Easton PA, the son of William N. Bailey and the late Sara Sturges. Ty was a 1970 graduate of St. Andrew’s school in Boca Raton, Fl. He was an All-American Water Polo player, as well as editor of the school yearbook and arts journal. He continued his studies at Tulane University in New Orleans, LA. Ty lived in Connecticut, New York, and eventually landed in Philadelphia in 1973. On February 14, 1975, Ty opened the highly successful Knave of Hearts restaurant where he was the chef-owner for 28 years. After a brief stint of employment at the Astral Plane restaurant, Ty was inspired to join the restaurant renaissance that was part of the city’s resurgence after decades of decline. He found a store front property at 230 South Street and opened the Knave on Valentine’s Day. He eventually bought adjacent properties and also expanded upwards to the second story where he opened the Love Lounge. Ty enjoyed sponsoring art shows and live music in the LoveLounge, but above all the Knave of Hearts was known as a romantic destination. After selling the Knave, Ty changed career paths and found meaning and fulfillment working with children as a swim coach and aquatics instructor. Ty coached for the Phoenixville YMCA, Phoenixville High School, Episcopal Academy Aquatic Club, and Upper Main Line YMCA. He loved watching swimmers improve, push themselves and achieve personal goals. Ty believed in perseverance and hard work and would often talk about always taking the high road, that there are no shortcuts to success. Ty married his wife Britta on September 4, 1994. Together they had three children Aiden, Kahlia, and Taryn Bailey. He enjoyed outdoor adventures and sports with his family. He was a devoted husband, father, son, and brother. . Ty was introduced to running in the early 1980’s and became a competitive and prolific distance runner and then triathlete. Ty completed over 40 marathons with a personal best sub 3-hour time. He also was particularly proud of his 6 Ironman triathlons including a sub 10hr finish. . Ty was a creative force. Whether in the kitchen, the garden (at one point having over 150 house plants), the printmaking studio, or with his written words, he had his own perspective which breathed life into the world around him. He had the gift of making the mundane tasks into an adventure. He proudly was the family photographer and was able to capture memories wherever he went with his infamous disposable cameras. He was a sporadic do it yourselfer – starting many projects and slowly completing most of them. He never met a dog that that did not fall under his uncanny dog-whisperer spell. Ty had a dry quick-witted sense of humor. He made and sustained strong friendships. Ty is survived by his wife Britta Schasberger and his children Aiden, Kahlia and Taryn Bailey, his father Bill Bailey, his stepmother Jean Bailey, his brothers Tad Bailey and Peyton Sturges, his sister Sarah Bailey Turgeon, and numerous nieces and nephews. Ty is to be remembered as full of life, putting family and friendships first, and forever being proudest of his greatest accomplishments, Aiden, Kahlia, and Taryn. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, a memorial service will be announced for a future time when family and friends can safely gather together. In lieu of flowers or plants, please consider planting a tree ( http://shop.arborday.org/trees-in-memory). Memorial Contributions may also be made in Ty’s name to the Shipley School Tuition Assistance Fund ( https://www.shipleyschool.org/support-shipley) or to the Phoenixville YMCA specifically noted for the Ty Bailey swim team memorial scholarship. ( https://www.philaymca.org/donate )

Robert H. "Ty" Bailey

May 22, 1951 - February 16, 2021