Donald W. Baker

August 29, 1928 - February 22, 2011

Donald W. Baker, 82, passed away Tuesday (Feb. 22, 2011) at Unity Hospital in Rochester.

Mr. Baker was born on Aug. 29, 1928 in Andover to Orla and Margaret (Wilcox) Baker. He was a 1946 graduate of Andover Central School. He served in the US Army during the Korean War. On July 22, 1954, he married Joan W. Woodruff, who predeceased him on Dec. 8, 2002.

Don owned and operated with his brother, Bob Baker, Baker Brothers Construction in Andover from 1956 – 2005.

Don is survived by two daughters, Robyn (Timothy) Sweeney of Hilton and Debra (Larry) Padden of Andover; two sisters, Mary Faber of Ruskin, Fla. and Joann (Hud) McKibben of Hornell; a sister-in-law, Delores Baker of Andover; six grandchildren, Jessica (Mike) Sweeney-Arnot, Donald Sweeney, Andrew Sweeney, Mary Joan Sweeney, Timothy (Bridget) Padden and Megan Padden; and many loved nieces and nephews.

In addition to his dear wife of 48 years, he was predeceased by a brother, Robert Baker; and brother and sister-in-law, William and Madeline Woodruff.
Don had a lifelong passion for woodworking and history, especially the American Civil War. He was a 4-H state certified rifle and shotgun instructor and taught scores of students the art of shooting. He was a founding member of Andover Historical Preservation Corp., a past president of Andover Fire Department, a member of the Andover American Legion, Andover Lions Club and Andover Masonic Lodge as well as serving on the board of the Andover Dental Group. He loved to sing in the Andover Chamber of Commerce Minstrel Show and the Andover Ecumenical Choir. He was a longtime member of Blessed Sacrament Church, where he served as trustee as well as serving as sexton of Gate of Heaven Cemetery.

Friends may call on Saturday from 10 a.m. - noon at Baker-Swan Funeral Home in Andover. There will be a Mass of Christian Burial also on Saturday at 1 p.m. at Blessed Sacrament Church with the Rev. Sean DiMaria, as celebrant. Burial with full military honors will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery.

Online condolences may be offered at www.baker-swan.com.

Memorial contributions in Don’s name may be made to Andover Fire and Rescue Squad, PO Box 726. Andover, NY 14806.