Paul Baker Obituary

The Reverend Paul E. Baker

April 28, 1936 - October 28, 2024

EAGLE BRIDGE - The Reverend Paul E. Baker passed away at his home in Eagle Bridge after a courageous struggle with cancer on October 28, 2024, surrounded by family.

Born on April 28, 1936, to Francis and Grace (Andersen) Baker in Tarrytown, N.Y., he grew up in Westchester along the banks of the Hudson River.

After graduation from Washington Irving High School in 1954, and following a gap year spent working on the construction of the NYS Thruway and at the GM Assembly Plant in Tarrytown, Paul went on to attend SUNY Farmingdale graduating with an Associate's degree in Agricultural Engineering.

Moving up the Hudson River to Albany in 1957, he earned a Master's degree in English from SUNY in 1961 and married Barbara Claire Baker immediately after graduation.

Following a year of active duty in the U.S. Army at Fort Dix, N.J., Paul began a career as an English teacher and Administrator in Westchester, later accepting a position as Principal of South Junior High School in Pittsfield, Mass.

It was in his early 40's that he was called to the ministry, and Paul became an Episcopal Priest, graduating from General Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity and accepting a position as Rector of Saint Luke's Episcopal Church in Cambridge in 1983 where he served the congregation and community for twenty-three years.

After retiring, Father Paul volunteered at Saint Mark's Episcopal Church in Hoosick Falls, a position he filled until his cancer diagnosis in April of 2024.

In the spirit of Saint Francis, Reverend Baker lived a life of servant leadership and worked with the community in and out of the church. A Fireman for over 60 years, he answered calls with the SUNY Farmingdale Fire Brigade (Chief), the Canaan Protective Fire Company (Chief) and as a life member of the Cambridge Fire Department (active fireman, Chaplain).

Paul loved sailing, collecting and restoring boats, and charting the birds and the weather at his Eagle Bridge homestead. He sang for many years with the Battenkill Chorale, and loved classical music. He cherished time with his family, especially his six grandchildren.

Reverend Baker was predeceased by his parents; Michael A. Baker (brother); and an infant grandson, (Baker).

He is survived by Barbara Claire Baker; children: Daniel Baker (Teresa), Jennifer Baker Roopnarine (Lomarsh); grandchildren: Michael Baker (Alyssa Rowland), Josha Roopnarine, Lily Baker, Madigan Stevens, Priya Roopnarine, and Olivia Baker; beloved family, Sally Hillsman and Margaret Lennon; many nieces, nephews and countless friends.

Calling hours will be at the Ackley, Ross & Gariepy Funeral Home, 73 West Main St., Cambridge, N.Y. on Sunday, November 3, 2024, from 4 to 7 p.m. with a eulogy at 6:45 p.m.

A funeral service will be at the Cathedral of All Saints, 62 South Swan St., Albany, N.Y. on Monday, November 4, 2024, at 10 a.m. Interment at Sleepy Hollow Cemetery in Tarrytown, N.Y. will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Cambridge Fire Dept., PO Box 554, Cambridge, N.Y. 12816.

To offer condolences to the family, please visit www.gariepyfuneralhomes.com.