Bayley Seton Davis passed away at the age of 82.
He was born Aug. 22, 1942, in Orange and graduated from Oratory High School in Summit.
In 1967, he married Mary H. Davis. Following his tour of duty in Vietnam with the United States Army from 1969-1970, Bayley started his career in the liquor sales industry in the early 1970s, working for Joseph Smith and Sons in Union. In 1982, he went out on his own and became the sole proprietor of the Lincoln Tavern in Middlesex, which he owned into the 1990s.
Bayley had an amazing childhood growing up in Orange and summering in Monmouth Beach. His family belonged to Monmouth Beach Bath and Tennis Club, where he and his four close brothers were often referred to as the “5Bs.” As the ringleader of the 5Bs, Bayley had an amazing knack for doing just about anything – he played tennis and golf, could fix anything, and was an amazing carpenter.
In his teens, Bayley very proudly traded his sailboat to his cousin in Rumson for a 1929 Model A Ford Woody, which he owned for over 60 years. In fact, he restored the car down to the frame and rebuilt it with all new wood himself.
Ever since he was a young man, Bayley loved boats and taught his brothers and sons how to water ski, fish and clam the Shrewsbury and Navesink rivers, which he loved.
Bayley was a wonderful husband who was married to his high school sweetheart for 58 years. During that time, they pretty much did everything together, from playing tennis and golf to spending time traveling together. They resided in Shrewsbury and Rumson, ultimately retiring to Jupiter, Florida, where they made wonderful friends. Bayley was a wonderful and often patient Dad who was beloved by his sons, their friends and the five wonderful grandchildren who called him Big Oppa. He treated everyone like they were a friend, and you never heard anyone utter a bad word about him.
Bayley is survived by his wife Mary; his brothers, Bernard, Robert and Bruce; his sons, Bayley Jr. and his wife Michele and Ryan and his wife Geraldine; along with five grandchildren, Jack, Avery, Charlotte, Elizabeth and Colin Davis.
Bayley was predeceased by his parents, William and Ruth Davis, and his brother William Davis Jr. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
The article originally appeared in the May 1 – 7, 2025 print edition of The Two River Times.
