Neighbors

MacArthur community remembers Rick Bailey

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It has been 10 years since Rick Bailey, a former MacArthur student and tight end for the generals, died while walking back to his college apartment. For many, his memory still lives on — even a decade later.

MacArthur High School alumni from 2004 and beyond gathered at the Levittown building on Nov. 25 to compete in an annual flag football tournament in memory of Bailey.

With Bailey’s name stamped on their T-shirts and jerseys, more than 100 people attended the community event during Thanksgiving break. The high school takes in students from northern sections of Wantagh and Seaford. 

The first Turkey Bowl was held in November 2008 — less than one month after Bailey was gunned down in Albany while he was walking home. The 22-year-old student was slated to graduate from SUNY Albany the following month. 

The flag football tournament was designed to honor Bailey’s life and benefit the MacArthur community. 

The Richard J. Bailey Memorial Fund is used to support scholarships, each worth $1,000, for two MacArthur graduates. The 2017 awards will be granted later this year, organizers noted.

After hitting the gridiron, participants gathered at Mulcahy’s Pub and Concert Hall in Wantagh to celebrate. Proceeds for the fundraiser were also generated through entry tickets.