Robert E. (Bob) Baker, 89, of Woodbury, died Saturday, February 2, 2013 at home with his wife by his side.
Bob was born Jan. 5, 1924 in Brooklyn NY to Harry Ross Baker Jr. and Clara L. Hunt Baker. He spent his childhood in Baldwin, Long Island, NY. After graduating from Baldwin High School, Bob joined the U.S. Navy and fought in WWII, stationed in Hawaii and on several aircraft carriers. As an Aviation Radioman / Gunner, he flew in Curtis Helldivers and Douglas Dauntless dive bombers. His many post war jobs included working for Popular Mechanics Magazine owner Henry Windsor III, as corporate co-pilot with his uncle and mentor William C. Hunt as pilot. He also worked for Hughes Productions in Hollywood on the personal staff of Howard Hughes. After leaving California, he worked as a commercial kitchen designer while attending City College of NY on the G.I. Bill. Later, while living in Levittown, NY, he took up carpentry, working on interior and cabinet construction. He continued to work as a carpenter upon his move to Woodbury in the early 1950's specializing in house restoration, home building and commercial construction. After several years, he went to work for Kewaunee Mfg. and later for Conco Industries of West Haven designing laboratories and libraries. He served as company vice president for 10 years at Conco. In 1970, Bob left Conco to develop Quail Run Rd and to build Phase 1 of Bee Brook Crossing. He was also the original designer/developer of Woodbury Chase (Woodbury Hill). For a period of years after that, Bob lived and worked in the south, retiring in 1991. Bob moved back to Woodbury in 1998 and has resided there since.
Bob was a member of the Woodbury Board of Assessors, the Woodbury Board of Tax Review, Past President of the Woodbury Lions Club, member and Past President of the Connecticut Building Congress, Vestry Member, Usher and Counter at St. Paul's Church, and a member of the American Legion, Woodbury Post #155. His personal interests included tent and RV camping, travel, sailing, model airplanes and trains and, of course, antiques. Bob is survived by his wife of 13 years, Ruth Marggraff Baker, as well as his first wife, Leigh (Lois Bliss) Baker of Woodland, California. He leaves four children and their spouses, Leslie and Russell Rhone, Stuart and Molly Penberth Baker, Alison and Dave Supple, Bob and Diane Baker, grandchildren Amy Atkins, Laurissa Rhone Dugan, Kevin Belden, Christian, Jason and Madison Baker, and great-grandchildren Ryan and Shawn Atkins. He also leaves a stepson David Ring, grandchildren Kevin Ring and Christy Rowe, and great-grandchildren Miles Ring and Nathan Rowe.
Bob will be greatly missed by his entire family who, in the last several years, were the recipients of wonderful photographs and endless stories about the family history. Having truly been an adventurer and possessing a clear mind and incredible memory, he worked with his children on the family genealogy, for which they will be eternally grateful.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Woodbury Ambulance Association, P.O. Box 581 or to the Woodbury Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 561, Woodbury, 06798. Donations will be used for the restoration of Woodbury's first mechanized fire engine, which was owned jointly by the Baker family and the Anthony Lombard family in the 1960's and 70's.

Cemetery: Cemetery Not Applicable

Location: Munson-Lovetere Woodbury

Services: *SERVICES ARE CANCELLED FOR TODAY FEBRUARY 9TH AND WILL BE RESCHEDULED FOR A LATER DATE TO BE ANNOUNCED.*