Obituary of Raymond C. Baker
Raymond “Ray” C. Baker, age 78, of Lee Center, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on September 25, 2024.
Ray was born in Rome, NY on September 24, 1946 to the late Kenneth Sr. and Mary Szalkowski Baker. On August 8,1970, he was united in marriage to the former Sandra Greene. He worked as a foreman for Whitacre Engineering as a proud member of the Ironworkers Local 440 for more than 30 years. He was also employed by the Town of Lee Highway Department. Ray loved his community, he was a dedicated volunteer firefighter for the Lee Center Fire Department, for 54 years, during this time he was Captain for 15 years, was a training officer, Parade chairman, two time recipient of the Firefighter of the year award, He was a member of the Oneida County Fire Chiefs Association, member of the NYS Association of Fire Chiefs, and president of the Oneida County Firemen’s Association, and Central New York Firemen’s Association. He was a current Town of Lee Fire Commissioner, member of the board of Directors, and a member of the Lee Center Rod and Gun Club.
Ray enjoyed being outdoors, working in the woods, hunting, fishing and camping. In his younger years he played softball, waterball, and marched with the fire dept. He loved to pass his knowledge on and spent many years coaching girls’ softball, coaching many of the area youth including his children and later his grandchildren. Poppy was almost always present watching the kid’s sporting events. He didn’t really like to travel but was a good sport about being taken on “Family Vacations”, he did love the annual trips to Port Henry for the family Reunions.
Ray is survived by his loving wife, Sandra; children Tammy (Scott) Hawkins of Summerville SC, Eric (Erica) Baker of Jacksonville NC, Tricia (Anthony Pinti) Baker of Rome, Tracey (Ron Lamandia) Baker of Rome; grandchildren, Britleigh, Brett, Ryann, Makayla, Kyleigh, Isabella; Great grandchildren Carter, Oaklee, and Raeleigh; a sister, Theresa (Nicholas) Doria of Tennessee; brother, William (Cindy) Baker of Lee Center; a brother in law John Paine, sister in law Patricia Baker; sisters in law Linda (Joseph) Yaworski, Melodee (John) Janczewski, Boni (Mike) Graveline, Cindy (Scott) Marshall, Michelle (Rob Hool) Greene, Brothers in law Rick ( Arlene) Greene, Bob (Tracy) Greene and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by a sister, Christine Paine, brother Kenneth Baker Jr. and Brother-in-law Gary Podkowka.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, October 2, 2024 at 11 AM, at St. Joseph’s Church. Burial with will be in Evergreen Cemetery.
Relatives and friends may call at the Barry Funeral Home, 807 W. Chestnut Street, on Tuesday, October 1st, from 4-7 PM.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lee Center Fire Department or Believe 271 Foundation Inc.
The family would also like to thank all the Lee Center Firefighters whom Ray considered his extended family.