Obituary of Joseph Baker

Joseph J. Baker Ballston LakeJoseph J. Baker, 71, of Ballston Lake, passed away March 23, 2013, surrounded by his wife and children at The Glendale Nursing Home after a valiant fight with an unforgivable disease. Born in Amsterdam, NY on January 21, 1942, he was the son of the late Jacob and Adeline Wisotsky Baker. He was a Class of '59 graduate of the former Wilbur H. Lynch High School. He served with the U.S. Marine Corps upon graduating from high school. He was married on September 16, 1967 at St. Stanislaus Church to the former Mary Ann Rzesos. Joe worked several years as an air traffic controller at Albany International Airport. He was also a letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service at the Heritage Station Office, retiring November 1, 2002. Joe was predeceased by his half-brothers, Leo Kibort (2000) and John Baker (1960). The family would like to give special thanks to Pat and Mike, Linda and Jonesie, Linda and Lew, Rose and Ed, Janet and the C-2 staff at The Glendale Nursing Home as well as Hospice of Schenectady for their dedication and support. Survivors include his wife, Mary Ann (Mimi) Baker; daughters, Debi Baker of Port Charlotte, FL, Karen Baker of Schenectady, NY and son, Joseph P. Baker and his wife, Natasha of Morrison, CO; his sister, Eleanor Muller of Quincy, IL; his nephew, John Mero of Quincy, IL; niece, Dr. Kelly Francis of Huntington Beach, CA; and three nieces, Linda Laird, Nancy Harvey and Donna Magnanti, all of New England. Joe's greatest joy was the pleasure he received from being around his family and friends. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, March 27 at 9 a.m. at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, 400 Saratoga Road, with the Rev. Jerry Gingras officiating. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend. Calling hours will be at the Glenville Funeral Home, 9 Glenridge Rd., Glenville, Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. Interment will be in St. Anthony's Cemetery in Glenville with full military honors. Memorial contributions may be considered to Alzheimer's/Dementia Foundation (www.alz.org) in memory of Joseph J. Baker or Hospice of Schenectady (www.commun ityhospice.org). Online condolences may be expressed at www.glenville funeralhome.com