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Post a reply || Back to NFA Class Memorial Page.. Joseph Milton Baker - Class of Jan. 1944
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Post a reply || Back to NFA Class Memorial Page.. Joseph Milton Baker - Class of Jan. 1944
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Joseph Milton Baker, a life- long resident of Newbugh, quietly passed on April 6th after 90 years of serving his family and community. Milt was married to Jeanne Barbara Rouss for fifty two years and subsequently to the late Ruth Levy Olgin. His devotion as a husband was matched by a father’s love of his five children: James Baker of Cudjoe Key, Florida; Patricia Thomas of Kent, England; David Baker of Middletown, New York; Paul Baker of Richmond Virginia; and Lois Tompkins of Jacksonville Florida. He is also survived by several grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren. As a proud native of Newburgh, he graduated from Newburgh Free Academy and went on to serve in the US Army Infantry and Medical Corps from 1944-46. He was honorably discharged after achieving the rank of Sergeant. Following military service, he earned a BSCE from Ohio Northern University’s school of Engineering. Returning to Newburgh, he raised a family while pursuing a thirty two year long career as a civil engineer, first with the N.Y State Department of Transportation and subsequently as president of his own firm, J. Milton Baker Associates Planners and Technical Services. One career was not enough for Milt. In addition to his engineering firm, Milt and Jeanne founded Jeanne’s Cards and Candy, eventually growing the business to three stores serving the Mid-Hudson Valley. Milt brought strong leadership skills to everything he did. His commitment to serving the community included service as Chairman of the City of Newburgh Zoning Board of Appeals and membership on the Architectural Review Commission. He also served on the Waterfront Committee. He was president and charter member of the Town of Newburgh Optimist Club, performed multiple roles with the Salvation Army Advisory Board, acting as Chairman of the Newburgh Corps, member of the board of directors of the Kiwanis Club of Newburgh as well as of Occupations, Inc. Milt coached Little League in the Town of Newburgh, where he also served as President. He was a member of Temple Beth Jacob, Kerem Lodge, F. & A.M , serving as treasurer, Newburgh Lodge F. & A.M., the Tall Cedars of Lebanon,VFW, and the American Legion. For recreation Milt loved to collect and restore antique pocket watches and earned certification as a master watchmaker from the Chicago School of Watchmaking. His carpentry skills led him to build several boats while achieving the rank of Advance Pilot in the U.S. Power Squadron. Later in life, he was known as "The Toy Man", producing unique wood children's toys of his own design, which he sold in local stores and, of course, lavished on his cherished grandchildren. Milt’s devotion to both his family and to the community he loved will be missed by all who knew him. A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, April 8,2016 at 10:00 AM at Temple Beth Jacob, 290 North St. Newburgh, NY 12550 In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Salvation Army.