Rash's Surname Index
Notes for Robert Frederick BAKER
On the afternoon of Saturday, Aug. 6, 2011, Robert Frederick Baker, Sr. of Roaring Branch passed away unexpectedly while enjoying the Loyalsock Antique Engine Show, with his loving family in attendance. He was 79 years of age. Born in Spring House, Pa. on Sept. 9, 1931, he was the son of Charles Pennington Baker, Sr. and Clara Mabel (Blessing) Baker. Bob was a member of the Ambler High School football team for four years, serving as captain in his senior year, and was a familiar figure as he rode about town on his Indian motorcycle. He graduated with the Class of 1950. Blessed with a strong work ethic, he worked after school and weekends caring for horses and working for a local blacksmith. Later, he was employed delivering milk for the former Witchwood Dairies in Montgomery County, a task he performed during the wee hours of the morning prior to going to class. Bob was also active in the Boy Scouts, and eventually achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. During the Korean War Bob served our country with the United States Air Force as a pilot. When he returned home he enrolled in the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Finance, and after graduation he worked for Willys Motors, quickly rising to District Manager for Pennsylvania. In the spring of 1957, while calling on a local Jeep dealership, Bob was suffering from a toothache brought on by a lost filling. Patricia Rosser, the young lady at the desk said that she had a dental appointment that afternoon, and that she would ask her dentist to fit Bob in . Bob was so grateful, and so taken with the lady that he asked her out to dinner that evening. Four months later they were married. In the years that followed Bob would often remark that the purchase of the marriage license was "the best two dollars I ever spent." Bob and Patricia raised two sons and two daughters and would have celebrated 54 years this September 7th. The couple's first home was at Harvey's Lake, and later Upper Gwynned Township, Montgomery County.
The Bakers moved to Massachusetts where Bob worked for Diebold Safe Co., and eventually became engaged in the banking profession. He worked as a loan officer for Middlesex Bank, (now Baybank -Middlesex) eventually rising to the position of Vice President in charge of Business Development. During his years with Baybank - Middlesex Bob secured loans for various companies including the optic firm, ITEK Corporation, to enable them to produce the precision lens used on the space probe, Viking I to photograph the surface of Mars. After retiring Bob moved his family to Roaring Branch, the birthplace of his wife. Not being entirely satisfied with retirement Bob sought employment, first as a salesman for the Gleckner Harness Co., and eventually as a loan officer with the First National Bank of Canton. Although a white collar professional for most of his career Bob enjoyed working with his hands, and was especially proficient at carpentry. But by far his true passion was the collection, restoration and operation of antique engines. He was a lifetime member of the Loyalsock Valley Antique Machinery Gas Engines Association as well as the Cool Spring Power Museum. He was a member of Rotary International and Lodge 308 F.& A.M. in Ft. Washington, Pa. Bob was also a man who knew his Lord, and was a member of the Church of the Messiah in Blue Bell, Pa. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, and will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
Surviving is his wife Patricia, at home; children Lynette Ann Baker of Roaring Branch, Robert F. (and Wendy) Baker, Jr., of Stormstown, Pa., William D. (and Courtney) Baker of Roaring Branch and Terri L. (Michael) Skalecki of Worcester, Pa.; eight grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by a brother Charles Pennington Baker, Jr., and sister Jeanette Baker Wickersham.
Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. pn Wednesday, Aug. 10 at Morse & Kleese Funeral Home, 94 N. Center Street, Canton. A service will follow at 7 p.m. with the Rev. Duane Taylor officiating. There will be a private interment service for family only at Griffin Cemetery, Roaring Branch. The family suggests that memorial contributions be directed to Cool Spring Power Museum, attn.: Gail Lavender, P.O. Box 19, Cool Spring, PA 15730; Griffin Cemetery, P.O. Box 26, Roaring Branch, PA 17765; or Loyalsock Valley Antique Machinery Gas Engines, P.O. Box 24, Muncy, PA 17756.
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