John Edwin Baker

John Edwin Baker, 89, passed away on Jan. 18, 2026. He was predeceased by his parents, three brothers, and one sister. Sharing in the grief of John’s passing is his loving wife of 68 years Gloria (Andrews) Baker and his children: Bonnie (James) Ritts, Jeffrey (Robin) Baker, Jennifer (Christopher) Marafioti, and Brenda (Graham) Annett; 10 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren; sister Doris (Baker) Myers; nephew Fred Baker; and niece Becky Jo Phillips.

Born and raised in Ohio, John was a multi-sport athlete and captain of the Salem High School football team. He was awarded a full football scholarship at Miami University (Ohio) and played with legendary coaches, Ara Parseghian and John Pont. John passed on the opportunity to play in the Canadian Football League upon college graduation and instead returned to his hometown to teach 4th grade and coach high school football under Coach Earle Bruce. He attained a degree in industrial engineering and worked for Eljer, Republic Steel, Rupp Industries, and Tappan.

John relocated his family from Ohio to upstate New York in the mid-seventies. He became Plant Manager and part owner of a bus company in the Finger Lakes area. Later, John took a position as a regional manager at Paychex in Rochester. He led the Midwest and western offices during his tenure while residing for a time in Denver and Chicago. The family kept close ties with the NY Finger Lakes region and had a summer home on Keuka Lake and later Canandaigua Lake.

John and Gloria retired in 1998 and became Florida residents. They maintained a home at Stoneybrook Golf and Country Club in Sarasota for 26 years. Golf, far away travels, precious time spent with family and friends in New York, Colorado, Illinois, Ohio, and Florida has occupied their time during his retirement years.

Friends and family are welcome to attend John’s memorial service to be held on Saturday, Feb. 7 at 2 p.m. at The United Church (11 Gibson St.) in Canandaigua, New York. A celebration of life will be held in the spring.

1/24/26