Richard J. Baier

AUBURN < Richard J. Baier, 74, of Auburn, died Sunday, Dec. 2, 2007, at St. Joseph"s Hospital, Syracuse, following an extended illness. He was born in Auburn on June 17, 1933, the son of the late Raymond E. and Catherine O"Grady Baier. Richard was a member of the Holy Family High School "Class of "52" and a 1957 graduate of Le Moyne College, where he earned a degree in industrial and labor relations. He was a communicant of Sacred Heart Church, a member of Sons of the American Legion Post 1324, and the Fraternal Order of the Elks. Richard was employed by the NYS Department of Labor, and also as a management specialist with the NYS Department of Social Services, retiring in 1992. He is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara Simpson Baier, of Auburn; his son, Richard J. (Autumn Starr) Baier II, of Baldwinsville; grandchildren, Alex and Sean Starr-Baier. He is also survived by his brothers, Raymond E. (Emily) Baier, of Auburn, David A. (Chris) Baier, of Moravia; a brother-in-law, William Loeper, of California, and Joan Baier, of Rochester; several nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, C. Lorraine Loeper; and his brother, John P. Baier. Services for Richard will take place at noon Saturday, at the White Chapel Funeral Home Inc., 197 South St., Auburn. Interment will be in St. Joseph"s Cemetery, Fleming. Friends are invited to visit with his family from 11 a.m. to noon, prior to the service. Richard"s family would like to encourage those who desire to send memorial contributions, to send them to either Meals on Wheels, 8-10 Hulbert St., Auburn, NY 13021; or to the Glenmary Missionary, Box 134, Aberdeen, Mass. 39730. Fr. Bob Dalton, a classmate of Richard"s "Class of "52," is one of the leaders of this mission. To send a message to the family, sign our guest book at www.auburnpub.com and click on obituaries.