Theodore J. Baker

Theodore J. Baker, 82, of Great Valley, NY died Tuesday evening, June 8, 2021 at Strong Memorial Hospital following a short illness.

Born January 28, 1939 in Salamanca, NY, he was the son of the late Theodore and Hilda Young Baker. He was married on November 14, 1964 in the former St. Patrick’s Church to the former Nancy Passmore, who survives.

He was a graduate of Salamanca High School, Class of 1957, earned his Associates Degree at Alfred State College in 1975, Bachelors of Art Degree from St. Bonaventure University in 1976, and his Masters Degree in History from St. Bonaventure in 1979.

Ted was a veteran of the United States Air Force, serving from 1957 – 1965. He served in Okinawa during the Korean Conflict and with the 1st Strategic Support Squad in the Pentagon in Washington DC. He received the Good Conduct Medal and the Air Force Longevity Service Medal with 1 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster.

He had been employed as the Director of Facilities at JCC Olean and as a professor of History and Political Science, retiring in 1996. He then worked for Allegany State Park from 1996 – 2013.

He was a member of the Lions Club, serving as president in 1985 and zone chairman. He also was a member of the Seneca Theatre, assisting in the electrical upgrades and serving as president of the living arts society.

Surviving besides his wife are: two daughters, Elizabeth Ann Baker, Holley, NY, Tammy (Thomas) Wind, Albany, NY; a son, Stephen (Debbie) Baker, Charlottesville, VA; six grandchildren, Bradley Baker, Endicott, NY, Hunter Pachla, Kohle Pachla, both of Holley, NY, Nicholas Baker, Charlottesville, VA, Tyler Wind, Ryan Wind, both of Albany, NY; two brothers, Daniel Baker, Salamanca, NY, Dale Baker, Bishopville, MD; several nieces and nephews.

Friends may call at the O’Rourke & O’Rourke Inc Funeral Home, 25 River Street, Salamanca, NY on Friday, June 11, 2021 from 6 – 8pm.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in Our Lady of Peace Parish, 274 Broad Street, Salamanca, NY on Saturday at 10am with Rev. Mariusz Sierhart, pastor, as celebrant.

Burial will be in Green Cemetery, Great Valley, NY, where full military honors will be conducted by members of the American Legion Hughes-Skiba Post 535 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars John F. Ahrens Post 5296.

E-condolences can be sent to orourke.orourkefh@gmail.com posted to facebook.com/onofh.