Harold W. "Hal" Baillie, Ph.D.

Harold W. “Hal” Baillie, Ph.D., 76, passed away at home surrounded by his family and his books after a two-year battle with cancer.

He was born in West Orange, NJ, to Harold and Carolyn (Courtney) Baillie in 1950. When he was promoted to big brother, he took that role very seriously for his two sisters Lynn and Sharon. Hal was a Jersey boy at heart; he loved summers at the Jersey Shore and Colonial Bakery crumb cake. He was a graduate of Newark Academy, Yale University (Saybrook College), and Boston College with his PhD in Philosophy. An avid runner and swimmer, he finished the Boston Marathon in 1971.

Hal married the love of his life Paula (Murray) in 1979, and they started their life together in Scranton. Hal spent 40 years at The University of Scranton as a professor of philosophy and medical ethics. He served as provost of The University from 2005-2014, overseeing the growth of facilities and programs and serving as a thought partner to his dear friend Fr. Scott J. Pilarz, S.J. His numerous books and publications, courses taught, and lectures given are all reflections of his dedication to his love for education. He served as ethics advisor for several area medical organizations, among them the Hospice of the Sacred Heart and the VNA. In addition, he furthered The University’s reputation globally, developing partnerships with academic and professional institutions in the Republic of Georgia, Tiawan, China, Lebanon, Slovakia, and more.

He never hesitated to open his doors to those who needed a place to share a holiday, and his children often celebrated at a table listening to multiple languages and learning different cultural traditions.

Following his retirement, Hal remained active in the community, chairing the Graduate Medical Education Board at the Wright Center for Community Health, authoring letters to the editor, and facilitating a discussion group, “Missing Socrates,” at The Gathering Place for Community Arts and Education.

Most of all, Hal cherished his family and his four amazing children, providing unflinching support to their endeavors. He never missed a chance to raise his family up by coaching sports, attending swim meets, games, dance recitals, and orchestra concerts.

His greatest joy was becoming Grandpa to Joe and Pa to Graeme.

In Addition tohis wife, Paula, he is survived by his children, Lauren Baillie, Lindsey Baillie and her husband Ryan Dippre, Hal Baillie and his wife Rachel Rudolph, Kathleen Baillie, and grandsons Joseph Dippre and Graeme Baillie; his sisters, Lynn Lockard and husband Greg and Sharon Rolser and husband Bill; numerous nieces and nephews; and grandnieces and nephews.

He leaves behind a legacy of commitment to family, education, and community, which he instilled in his children.

The Baillie family wishes to thank the numerous friends and family who have been by Hal’s side throughout his life, but particularly through the most difficult parts of the last two years. The family also thanks the staff of the Hospice of the Sacred Heart, whose compassionate care made it possible for the Baillies to be at home together for Hal’s final weeks.

The celebration of life service will be on Saturday June 13, at 11am at Madonna Della Strada Chapel, 415 Monroe Ave, Scranton. The family will receive relatives and friends from 9:30am till service time.

Donations can be made to The Gathering Place for Community, Arts & Education, PO Box 171, Clarks Summit, PA 18411. https://gatheringplacecs.org/give/

Arrangements have been entrusted to Jennings-Calvey Funeral and Cremation Service Inc., 111 Colburn Ave., Clarks Summit, PA 18411. For directions or to leave an online condolence, visit the funeral home website.