Obituary of Ford W. Baker

Ford William Baker, 79, of Tampa, Florida ended his journey in life on March 23, 2011. He was born in Binghamton, NY on February 11, 1932, the youngest son of Robert Roy and Hazel Pearl (Aylsworth) Baker. He was predeceased by siblings Robert Ford (Ruth) Baker and Sarah (Fred) Stapleton. He is survived by wife of 55 years, Marilyn (Allen) of Tampa, FL, and brother-in-law Thomas (Nancy) Allen of Binghamton, NY. Also surviving are daughter Tracey Elizabeth of Tampa, FL, and sons Mark Allen (Alison) of Hebron, CT, Jeffrey Ford of West Palm Beach, FL and Matthew Robert (Gayle) of Colorado Springs, CO, and seven grandchildren: Aaron Anthony, Elizabeth Margaret and Rebecca Jeanne Baker; Katey Lynn and Taylor Jude Rachid; and Bradford Franklin and Abigail Kathleen Baker. A graduate of Broome Community College, Baker also attended Colgate University. He was with the Westinghouse Electric Corporation (28 years). His athletic prowess was best exemplified by his years playing basketball at North High School (Binghamton) and by his years playing professional baseball with the NY Giants and Yankees minor league organizations (1951-53). He was also a member of the Minor League Baseball Alumni Association. Ford loved finance, fitness, golf and following Syracuse University basketball and football, as well as Tampa Rays baseball. He was happiest in his recliner with his remote watching a game – it doesn’t get any better than that! Love you Dad – TB, MB, JFB, MB and Meres. A private memorial service is to be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude’s Hospital or the Kidney Foundation in his memory.