Jack "John" Kevin Baker

John K. Baker, 73, Of Margate, Florida died unexpectedly on July 21st after a lengthy and difficult battle with skin cancer. He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Nilsa Baker, 4 nieces, 2 nephews, and 10 grand nieces and nephews along with his sister in--law, brother in-law and cousins. He was born on August 5, 1950 of Mary ((nee Wall) and Melvin Baker in Woodhaven, New York.

Jack, as he was always called, had an early and lifelong love of tennis and the Yankees and many sports. After graduating from Saint John's University, he relocated to Puerto Rico where he worked as the head tennis pro at the El Conquistador Hotel for 6 years coaching celebrities and athletes alike. While in Puerto Rico, he adopted a new culture and became fluent in Spanish and found a love of Puertorican food. With his Irish heritage no one could guess he spoke Spanish when they met him and they immediately thought that he was Puerto Rican! After returning to New York, he entered the police academy and became a member of the NYPD for 25 years and retired as a detective. His command of Spanish made him even more successful as a police officer.

Jack had an outgoing personality. Whether it was a small or large party, everyone enjoyed spending time with him. While traveling in Spain, Jack got a recipe for Sangria. He made it all the time and anyone who tasted it wanted the recipe. Jack's response was always- invite me to the party and I’ll bring it. It was delicious.

Jack made everyone he touched feel special and he bestowed many a loving nickname on his many friends and family.

After an accident, Jack and his beloved wife, Nilsa, decided to become snowbirds and move to Florida in 2020. In Florida they found their second home. Jack frequented the Burn One Cigar Shop and the American Legion where a new circle of friends was made that became family.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to the New York City Police Department Widows and Orphans fund or to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, please make a check payable to the NYC PBA Widows and Children's Fund, and send it to Patrick Hendry at the Patrolmen's Benevolent Association, 125 Broad Street, 11th Floor, New York, NY 10004-2400.