Joseph R Baker

Joseph R. Baker, 76, of Tequesta, FL died Friday, May 10. 2013. Joe was born in White Plains, NY, of Ralph and Laura Baker. He grew up in the Catskill Mountain region of upstate New York. After graduating from Livingston Manor High School, he joined the Army where he served in For Knox, KY and in Germany. He then attended Orange County Community College before graduating with a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in Troy, NY in 1962. He subsequently went on to receive a Masters in Electrical Engineering from RPI in 1965 and an MBA from Florida Atlantic University in 1985. He was primarily employed by Pratt and Whitney Aircraft for 32 years after receiving his undergraduate engineering degree. He spent 1 1/2 years at Boeing Aircraft in Seattle, WA early in his career and a short time at Combustion Engineering in Windsor Locks, CT. He was transferred to Pratt and Whitney's West Palm Beach facility from East Hartford, CT in 1977. He became an avid fisherman and boater while in Florida following his youthful interest in the outdoors while in the Catskill Mountains and CT. He retired from Pratt and Whitney in 1996 and spent many of his happiest hours fixing, puttering and inventing. He holds several patents of which he was very proud. He and his wife also loved traveling in the United States, both in their RV and in their boat, a 42' Grand Banks trawler. The boat, "Free Spirit", led them on a 6,000 mile journey named the "Great Loop" which courses along the waterways of the US and Canada.

He leaves to mourn, his loving wife of 50 years, Marcella, his son Keith H (and Pamela) Baker of Lexington, MA and his son, Christopher M (and Melissa) Baker of Norcross, GA, grandchildren, Kimberly L. Baker of NY, NY, Christopher C. Baker of Lexington, MA, Thawm Sung of Lexington, MA, Chase J. Baker, Jessica K. Baker, and Samantha L. Baker, all of Norcross, GA. He also leaves five surviving siblings, Elizabeth, Oneda, Christine, Mark and Barbara. He is predeceased by his brothers Jake, Jack, Jim and sisters Bernadine and Thelma. He will be sorely missed by his many nephews and nieces.