John Louis Baker

John was born on February 21, 1937 to Mary George (Kleckner) and John Chester Baker in Chicago, Illinois. After graduating from Evanston Township High School in 1954, he went on to study Electrical Engineering at Purdue University, graduating as a Bachelor of Science in EE in January 1959. He received his commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army through Army ROTC, attended training at Ft. Monmouth, New Jersey, and served with the Signal Corps as an instructor at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama. Upon completing his active duty commitment, he relocated to Maryland and continued duty with the US Army Reserve component at Fort Meade, Maryland. In 1961 he accepted an Electrical Engineering position at Westinghouse Electric Corporation in Baltimore.

Shortly after moving to Maryland in 1961, John met Juliette (Orlando), and they wed in 1962, going on to have four children, Jeanne, John, Dianne and Michelle (“Mimi”).

Throughout his career John supported many defense and aerospace projects for the Federal Government, including the NASA Apollo Program. He was an active member of the Ilchester Optimist Club, coaching and organizing various sports programs including track in the 1970s and 1980s. John embraced his new home state of Maryland and became a passionate fan of all Baltimore sports teams, especially the Orioles, Colts and Ravens, but also maintained his love for the Chicago Cubs and Bears. He enjoyed vacations at the beach, steamed crabs and raw oysters as much as any native Marylander. He loved music, and shared that love with his family, enthusiastically singing and playing ukulele.

After retiring from Westinghouse in 1996, John continued supporting the Federal Government as an independent consultant to various contractors. After retiring "for good" in 2008, he enjoyed being a supportive husband, father and Pop-Pop, spending time with family, keeping up with all his favorite sports teams, playing and listening to his favorite music, and cheering on his grandsons every chance he could.

John was predeceased by his parents, Mary and John Baker. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Juliette; his four children Jeanne Baker, John C. Baker, Dianne Baker and Mimi (Frank) Kippenbrock; his grandsons Max and Thomas Kippenbrock; his sister Mary Jo Baker Long and niece Lisa Long Walker; many more cherished loved ones and extended family including brothers and sisters in law, nieces and nephews and their families.

John will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. He was a kind, generous, and thoughtful person who loved to connect with others through shared interests. He left an amazing legacy and impact on our world and will live forever in our hearts.

Donations may be made in memory of John L. Baker to the Seasons Hospice Foundation at https://seasonsfoundation.org/donate.

His family will receive visitors at Gary L. Kaufman Funeral Home on Saturday, April 29, 2023 from 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm followed by a Celebration of Life Memorial Service at 4:00 pm. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may also be shared with the Baker family at www.garylkaufmanfuneralhome.com.