Robert R. Baker, 91, of Hollidaysburg, passed away Thursday at Garvey Manor. He was born on Lower Brush Mountain Road, Hollidaysburg, eldest child of the late John S. and Helen M. (Mielnik) Baker.
He married Joan E. (Gahagan) on July 31, 1956 at St. Bernard Church, in Indiana, PA. She preceded him in death on April 24, 2020.
Surviving are his six children: Carrie Moudy and her husband, Dan, in Florida, Colleen Harlow and her husband, Tim, of Hollidaysburg, Cathy Stoltz of Hollidaysburg, Becky Sciance and her husband, Marc, in Virginia, Jim Baker and his wife, Colleen, in Virginia and John Baker of Duncansville; 12 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are his siblings: Margaret Bailor and her husband, Bernard, in Maryland, Barbara Seymour of Altoona and Timothy Baker of Hollidaysburg; and many close nieces, nephews and cousins.
In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by siblings: Mary Ellen Healy, Joseph Patrick Baker and Rita J. Bergstrom; three brothers-in-law, James Healy, Earl Bergstrom, and James Seymour; sister-in-law, Shirley Baker; and son-in-law, Thomas W. Stoltz Jr.
Bob graduated from Altoona Catholic High School, class of 1949, and Indiana State Teachers College, class of 1956, with a bachelor's degree in biology. He later earned a master's degree in education from Saint Francis College, Loretto. He taught science at Fort LeBoeuf High School, Erie County, PA and Kenwood High School, Baltimore County, MD. He retired from the Appalachia IU 8 after 31 years of teaching Special Education at Claysburg- Kimmel High School. While at Claysburg-Kimmel High School, Bob was involved in the football and baseball programs. He was also a PIAA football official.
Bob was a member of Saint Mary Roman Catholic Church where he served as an altar boy and for many years a commentator. He was a 3rd degree Knight of Knights of Columbus Star of the Sea Council No. 4245.
He served in the U.S. Army medical corp for 3.5 years during the Korean Conflict.
Bob was past commander of the American Legion Post 516, Hollidaysburg, and a current member of the American Legion Post 522, Claysburg. He belonged to the Heidelberg Country Club, was a former member of Sylvan Hills Golf Club, and assisted with Special Olympics.
Bob was an avid reader and a history buff. He loved nature, Notre Dame football and traveling across the US and to Ireland. He especially enjoyed time spent with family and friends.
A special thank you to the Garvey Manor Carmelite Sisters and staff for their kind and compassionate care.
Friends will be received from 2-4 p.m. on Friday Dec. 16, 2022, at Sorge Funeral Home & Crematory Inc., Hollidaysburg, where a Vigil service will be held. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday Dec. 17 at St. Mary Roman Catholic Church, Hollidaysburg, with Fr. Alan E. Thomas, Celebrant. Private Committal at New St. Mary Cemetery. |