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Robert L. Baker

April 20, 1935 - November 19, 2021

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ALFRED – On November 19, 2021, Robert L. “Bob” Baker went home to be with his Lord surrounded by his family.

Bob was born in Hornell on April 20, 1935 and was the son of the late Milton and Eloise (Greene) Baker. He grew up in Almond.

Upon graduation from Alfred-Almond Central School in 1953, Bob attended Springfield College in Springfield, Mass. where he graduated in 1957. He later completed his Master’s Degree from Alfred University. On August 26, 1956 he married Barbara J. Allen, who survives.

From 1957-1962, Bob taught and coached in Belmont Central School followed by 16 years at Alfred University as Head Basketball and Tennis coach and three years as the first soccer coach.

In 2018, he was inducted into the Genesee Valley Central School Wall of Fame for his accomplishments in several sports at the high school and collegiate level, as well as for his 21 years of coaching high school and college athletics.

From 1978 until 2011, Bob was an Area Coordinator for Community Services Systems, a nationwide Christian public relations company. In 1980, he was honored as “Man of the Year.”

Bob is survived by the love of his life for 65 plus years, Barbara A. Baker; one daughter, Cindi Williams of The Villages, Fla.; two sons, John (Colleen) Baker of Rochester and Bill (Jenny) Baker of Almond; eight grandchildren, Krislyn Norton, Kelli (Luis) Romero, Katelyn (Jeff) Englehart, Stephen (Taylor) Baker, Carly Baker, Lindsy (Greg) Palmer, Ryan (Holli) Baker and Tyler Baker; and ten great-grandchildren, Alivia Norton, Jayce Englehart, Liam Englehart, Carter Englehart, Elle Palmer, Audrey Palmer, Parker Palmer, Harper Baker, Hudson Baker and Riley Baker.

Bob was predeceased by his parents; his sister, Mary Petric; his brother, Dick Baker; and son-in-law, Ron Williams.

Bob was a member and former Elder of the Alfred-Almond Bible Church and had served for many years on the capital executive board at Family Life Ministry, the Alfred-Almond Alumni Board, and Sports Hall of Fame Committees for both Alfred-Almond and Alfred University.

Although sports had been the dominant part of his life (especially golf in his later years), his real passion was his family and his Lord. He loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren as well as Bible studies with his church (family).

A “Celebration of Life” service will be held at Alfred-Almond Bible Church at a future date to be announced. Arrangements are under the direction of Baker-Swan Funeral Home in Andover. Online condolences may be offered at www.baker-swan.com.

Memorial contributions in Bob’s memory may be made to Fellowship of Christian Athletics, C/O Upstate NY FCA, 1100 University Avenue, Ste. 140, Rochester, NY 14607 or Family Life Radio, PO Box 506, Bath, NY 14810. © 2021 Baker-Swan Funeral Home.

Celebration of Life:
Saturday, April 23, 2022
1:00 p.m.
Alfred-Almond Bible Church

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12 Messages

  1. Rest in peace cousin Bob.
    You were a good man and lived your life with love and with a truly spiritual connection with the Lord and all those you knew.
    As a younger cousin I admired you and your tremendous abilities and positive attitude.
    As an adult my admiration and love for you and Barb was shared by my dear wife, Jane.
    Both you and Barb have set an inspirational example of what a good marriage should be. With love and best wishes to Barb and the Baker family.
    Jim and Jane Greene

    Reply
  2. Dear Barbara and Family,

    I’m deeply sorry. I was so grieved to learn that Mr.Baker has died. Certainly few people were as careful about their health as he was. It
    seemed like anytime I asked Colleen about her in laws, they were always happily engaged in sport, travel, ministering to others, or enjoying family time. Such a meaningful life!

    I can’t remember a single time when Bob and Barbara seemed discouraged. His faith was evident without having to say a single word.

    I can imagine that these are dark and confusing days. Why him? Why now? It doesn’t seem fair.

    Mr. Baker raised the bar for all christian men and husbands. He left a legacy of love that is worthy of respect.

    You will be in my prayers for a peace that surpasses all understanding,

    Reply
  3. Dear Barb and Family,

    Graciela and I praise the Lord for Bob’s life and for his testimony of a man full of faith and love for God and for people!

    We have enjoyed very much every moment we have been with you at your home and both of you have been such a blessing and an encouragement for us!

    We love you so much Barb and pray for God’s comfort and
    strength in your life and your entire family!

    Ruben and Graciela Matos
    Word of Life Peru

    Reply
  4. Dear Barb and family-I extend my most sincere condolences for your loss. One word keeps coming to mind when I reflect on Bob:,Decency. He was one of the most decent people I have been privileged to know. He never failed to greet you with a smile and a confidence of his own being. He was a model for all to aspire to. Bob will always be remembered as an exemplary person.Your message

    Reply
  5. Dear Barb and Family,

    I want to send my sincere condolences for your loss. Coach Bob Baker had many good traits and attributes. Though he and I did not spend a lot of time together through the years, we were always in each other’s thoughts and memory. From 6th grade in 1962 to the present, I considered Coach Baker my mentor and inspiration. Coach Baker had a tremendous influence on my future and success, as not only a teacher and coach, but as a human being and parent. I wonder what my path would have been without the influence of Bob Baker. It shows that one person can make a tremendous influence on another individual. May God enrich Bob’s soul and best wishes to his family.
    Coach Don Baker

    Reply
  6. I am so sorry for your loss. The good news is you know where he is going. I have many memories of Uncle Bob and Aunt Barb at family get togethers and adventures we had with my grandparents growing up. He will be truly missed.

    Reply
  7. Condolences to all the Baker family. Although I hadn’t seen him in years, I remember him from my younger days- he was an amazing man. My sister Pat was very good friends with Mrs Baker in college and beyond. May he Rest In Peace and your memories be cherished

    Reply
  8. Dear cousin Barb,
    I know our Lord said, “well done thou good and faithful servant” to Bob as he left this temporary life.
    May our Lord bless you mightily as you wait to be united
    . Love, Andy

    Reply
  9. Barb- We are so saddened to read of the passing of Bob. What a wonderful man he was. It was always a joy to serve at Family Life events with both of you. We are thankful for the opportunity to get to know both of you as we served at FLN. Bob’s love of Jesus certainly always shown through in his life and he always radiated the joy of the Lord! Our prayers are with you.
    Steve-Cynthia

    Reply
  10. Dear Barb,
    We are so very, very sorry to learn of Bob’s passing in the latest Alfred Sun, which just arrived in the mail. You and Bob have always been such an important part of the history we shared at Alfred-Almond Central School and for all the years since then. You were both so welcoming to Carol that she never felt like an outsider, and I was proud to be able to introduce her to both of you. You were a wonderful team and we cherish the memories of the too-few times we spent together, usually around the time of those amazing AACS reunions. With great admiration and love.

    Reply
  11. Barb & Family,
    Please accept my condolences. I was saddened to hear of Bob’s passing. He was a very sweet man who had a great faith and love for God & his family. He will be greatly missed by those who knew him and by those whose lives he touched. My thoughts & prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. God Bless each one of you. Hugs.

    Reply
  12. Dear Barb and Baker Family,
    The world just seems a little less bright without Bob’s light. So thankful to have met a man of such valor, gentleness and integrity. He imparted wisdom and grace whenever I saw him… whether on his way to an important meeting or playing with his great-grand daughter, he took a minute to exchange greetings. He will be greatly missed but his legacy will live on in the lives he touched. Counting myself thankful that mine was one of them. I am so sorry for the loss of this precious man. Love and blessings to his family.❤️

    Reply

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