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Sherwood Baker Obituary
Sgt. Sherwood Russell Baker of Shawnee Avenue, Plymouth, died Monday in Iraq.
Born Oct. 5, 1973, in Philadelphia, he was the son of Alford and Celeste Zappala of Philadelphia. He was a graduate of Roman Catholic High School, Philadelphia, class of 1991 and King's College, class of 1995. He was a case worker for M.H.-M.R. of Luzerne Co. and also worked under the name of D.J. DaPhantom. He was a member of Bennett-Derr United Methodist Church, Wilkes-Barre, Black Diamond American Legion Post 395, Kingston, and King's College Alumni Association. Sgt. Baker received the Army Achievement Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal with M/Device, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, and the Weapons Qualification Badge (M16-Sharpshooter) with Grenade Bar.
He and his wife, the former Debra Ann Malys, would have celebrated their sixth anniversary June 28, 2004. He is also survived by son, James-Dante Raphael Baker, at home; brothers, Dante Zappala and Raphael Zappala, both of Philadelphia; several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday in First United Methodist Church, 47 North Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre. Interment will be in Italian Independent Cemetery, West Wyoming.
Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday in the Scandlon Gymnasium on the campus of King's College.
Arrangements are by the Mamary-Durkin Funeral Service, 59 Parrish St., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702.
Those who desire may give to the James-Dante Baker Fund, c/o Mellon Bank, Attention David S. Rowe, 1735 Market St., 3rd Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19103.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Sherwood Baker
Charlie Gili
April 13, 2013
Hello,
We would like to express our deepest condolences and also let the Baker Family know that we recently sent Care Packages to American troops in the war zones. Each box carried a dedication sheet that includes the name, service information and a photo of your loved one. We recognize that this is a humble tribute, but we wanted you to know that it is heartfelt and made possible by thousands of like-minded individuals in the youth hockey community and beyond. We will not forget. May God Bless you and keep you strong.
Sincerely,
Charlie Gili & Family
On Behalf of the US Hockey Players Support Our Troops Campaign
May 27, 2012
Sher you are always on my mindThe boys miss you so much Anthonie and Zack still talk bout you. Sher you are my hero. Love ann marie
May 12, 2012
From one caseworker for the mentally , disabled to another, to another, I offer my prayers for Sherwood for his soul and healing for his family.
Peggy Childers
April 29, 2012
April 26, 2012
To the family and friends of Sgt. Sherwood R. Baker:
Always remembering Sherwood. "Some gave all."
Julio Rodriguez
September 1, 2011
To the families of our American Heroes,
I want to thank each of you for your personal
sacrifices on behalf of my family and America.
May God comfort your souls and bring peace in
your hearts that your loss is not in vain.
God Bless our valiant warriors families in the
ages to come.
RIP courageous ones!
Psalm 25:20
A greatful Veteran
MSgt USAF (Ret)
Vietnam 64,65,66,68-6
christopher Wynder
May 26, 2011
Our Hero
jennifer
May 26, 2011
Sherwood I think about often, my son looks for picture verytime we are in walmart on the soldiers wall. I just wanted you to know that you are thought of often especially on today, the anniversary of your passing. I hope your smiling down on J.D. Some gave all..
Peggy Childers
April 26, 2011
To the family and friends of Sgt. Sherwood R. Baker:
Please accept my remembrance of Sherwood on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
Peggy Childers
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
L Neal
March 18, 2011
To the family of Sgt. Sherwood R. Baker:
Please know that just as your loved one remains in your hearts and minds; his sacrifice, and that of your family, remains with the people he died defending. Words cannot express the gratitude we feel for his bravery and selflessness, or the heartache we feel for your loss. God bless and keep you always.
Elizabeth Raab
January 15, 2011
Your legacy will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew you and shared in your struggle to protect our country and the ultimate sacrifice you gave so that we can be grateful for what we have. Your family, friends, loved ones and fellow soldiers will stay in my thoughts and prayers.
A Proud Military Mom.
Sherwod R Baker/Keith Baker & me(father)
Russell Houser
December 11, 2010
Returned to catch up on some of my son's friends comments.
Jim Dahl
June 14, 2010
To the Baker family. I knew Sherwood back in high school. The both of us took band under Sister Diane. I will always hold Sherwood and all the men and women who have lost their lives in my thoughts and prayers.
Sherwood was a great guy and I am glad I had the pleasure of knowing him.
joann,jerry,john,jay,jennifer huntingcut
May 10, 2010
with the deepest sympathy to the baker family.my son jerry was with him over seas. he concindered him as his father.on the day that happened jerry wanted him to waait until he went.he still has dreams of that day. he will be deeply missed by everyone in this family,and families around the world for his braverly.he was a true hero.god bless you all.
Peggy Childers
April 26, 2010
To the family of Sgt. Sherwood R. Baker:
Remembering Sherwood on the anniversary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
Kay
October 24, 2009
Thank you sir for being America's Hero. Thank you for protecting all of us. God Bless You. RIP
Kenna Larra
October 20, 2009
Honor and Remember” - “Project Compassion” We love our Soldiers! We love our country and we cannot express enough love and compassion to the families of our fallen heroes. War does not discriminate – It breaks our hearts to see the faces of the fallen. We want to give this gift to you. We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization! Over 1,800 portraits have been completed and shipped to the parents and or spouse - at no cost as this is a gift from one American to another!
Mothers and/or Fathers, of our heroes, please be aware that the Project Compassion sponsors will now help cover the costs of the portraits for you to have one - regardless if the spouse of the hero has one or not!
Contact us directly at [email protected]. or go to www.heropaintings.com . If you have already had a portrait completed, we pray that you are enjoying the portrait and bless you.
Sincerely and Respectfully,
Kenna
Project Compassion
P.O. Box 153
Manti, Utah 84642
Peggy Childers
April 26, 2009
To the family of Sgt. Sherwood R. Baker:
Sherwood gave the ultimate sacrifice and will be held in the hearts of Americans forever. I cannot and will not let our fallen heroes be forgotten. My deepest sympathy to you. "Some gave all."
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org
Sheila L. Glaser
August 4, 2008
Debra, I'm again so sorry u lost your soulmate and he left a son behind but he did his duty for his country and did not regreat for what his job made him do: Protect his country from these terrorists which we still have problems with yet. I just wish all our soldiers could just come home, but we won't see that for a while I guess,,, I'm the one who was going out with Louie and we meet on the bike run for Sherwood a few yrs. back and AJ was in a military uniform . And I'd like to say ,,, God Bless U and AJ and hang in there. Sherwood is now in the best of hands " GODS " And he will always be remembered in everyone's hearts. God Bless and Take Care, OK!
July 31, 2008
To the Family and Friends of Sgt. Baker,
I am so sorry for your loss.
My name is Maggie Selzer, and I am directing ‘Run for the Fallen 5K run/walk’ in Boalsburg, PA (just outside of State College) on August 24th, 2008. The event, held on the PA military Museum grounds, aims to keep alive the memory of all fallen soldiers, but particularly those from PA. All proceeds from the event will go to organizations that support the families of fallen soldiers and supports wounded soldiers.
I encourage you to learn more about the event at www.freewebs.com/runforthefallen5k/
index.htm.
The event is meant to keep alive the memories of brave men like Sgt. Baker.
If you have any questions, or would like to send a memory of Sgt. Baker to be included with the flag memorial that will be set up at this event, please contact me at (814) 571-8755 or [email protected].
Shelly M. Smith
July 22, 2008
I am friends with Sherwoods cousin Louie, and I'd like to send my condolences to his family, and to say Thank You to him in heaven, for protecting us all here in the states,,, God Bless him and his family.
Debra Baker
July 16, 2008
I will always love you and you will always be in my heart 4 ever and ever. I miss you so much and i want you back with me. I wish there was a way for me to turn back time and have you for the rest of our life. and be the happy and loving family again, I LOVE YOU SHERWOOD BAKER always and forever
Christine (Baker) Messino
June 13, 2008
Sherwood was my big brother. I miss him dearly.
the Buck family
May 15, 2008
To the family and friends of Sgt. Sherwood R. Baker, our thoughts and prayers are with you in your loss. What he has done for our freedom will not be forgotten. May God comfort and Bless your family.
In Memory of Sherwood ( Debra Estep )
April 26, 2008
Holding you all in my thoughts and prayers today.
The Wind on The Downs
“I like to think of you as brown and tall,
As strong and living as you used to be,
In khaki tunic, Sam Brown belt and all,
And standing there and laughing down at me.
Because they tell me, dear, that you are dead,
Because I can no longer see your face,
You have not died, it is not true, instead
You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe;
I hear you laughing as you used to do,
Yet loving all the things I think of you;
And knowing you are happy, should I grieve?
You follow and are watchful where I go.”
(Written by Marian Allen during World War l )
Two lines that I wish you to keep near your heart…….
“You seek adventure in some other place.
That you are round about me, I believe”
I did not know Sherwood, but I am remembering on
this day he gave his all.
He is my hero.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
The Other Side
i'm over on the other side
where life and death softly divide.
left my skin and bones behind
now i'm over on the other side.
can you feel me there with you?
my breath is gone but i'm not through.
loved you then and i still do
from over on the other side.
i can fly. really fly.
below the earth ... all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.
it's good here on the other side.
the sweetest songs...the bluest skies.
thank you for the tears you cried
but it's good here on the other side.
i can fly. really fly. below the earth...all through the sky.
tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side
the world is smaller than a needle's eye.
where life and death softly divide.
when you leave your skin and bones behind
i'll be waiting on the other side.
i can fly. really fly. below the earth ... all through the sky.
go tell em all i did not die.
i'm just over on the other side.
Song lyrics by Don Conoscenti
C Desert Muse/SESAC
www.donconoscenti.com
(Used with permission)
Sincerely,
Deb Estep ~ Ohio
Proud Air Force Mom and MIL
Remembering The Fallen – Blog
http://tinyurl.com/3z8p55
The Other Side
http://tinyurl.com/3o8gol
March 24, 2008
You are remembered and respected. Thank you Sgt Baker!
August 25, 2007
I wish to add my condolences- belatedly- to the family. I am so sorry for your loss.
August 9, 2007
There is nothing that I can say or do to take away the pain or bring you peace in your time of sorrow, but I will offer you and your family my heart felt condolences. I also offer you my prayers that in time the pain will easy and the memories of your HERO will carry you through each day and night. I want to thank your HERO, for his/her selfless act of becoming a member of the armed forces, his/her willingness to defend the United States of America, all that we hold sacred and for the sacrifice that will forever be etched in the memories of all those who knew him/her. Though tears can never bring him/her back, we hope that our tears express our gratitude for the sacrifice that he/she made and our sorrow at his/her passing. I believe for every fallen HERO there is a star shining brightly up above to remind us of the precious gift we were given.
Your mission on earth is complete and you are now a member of GOD’s Heavenly armed forces. Stand down brave warrior and take your rightful place in Heaven with all the HEROES who have passed before.
I made a special promise to LE RON A. WILSON (KIA on 07/06/07) on the day he was laid to rest as I touched his coffin, that I would never forget him nor would I forget those that gave their lives for our country before him, with him and after him and so when I came across www.legacy.com, I thought what a great way to keep my promise to Le Ron, so I will continue to leave tributes in each guest book until the day there is no longer the need to leave these tributes to a FALLEN HERO.
REST IN PEACE, HERO, YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!!
PROUD MOTHER OF A U.S. SOLDIER
Althea Barrett(Queens, NY)
July 10, 2007
Thank you for the sacrifice made by Sgt Baker and the sacrifice made by everyone who loves and misses him! May God bless all of you!!
Gary Allain
June 16, 2007
Sgt. Sherwood R. Baker
you are my hero
may god keep you in his arms forever.
Garnet Jenkins
April 26, 2007
In Remembrance of this Fine Young Soldier, Sgt. Sherwood R Baker, who gave his life for our Country and for Freedom. A multitude of Thanks to Sgt. Baker and his family, for his Courage, Dedication and Service.
There will Never Be Enough Ways, to Humbly Thank these Heroes, for their Supreme Sacrifices, my brother among them. Killed in action in Vietnam in 1967.
"For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens."
2 Corinthians 5:1
May you find peace in knowing the love and memories you have of Sherwood, will remain in your heart forever and that this Country Remembers his Sacrifice.
I am So Deeply Sorry for your loss.
Christopher Smith
April 5, 2007
It has been two and a half years since we were in the same company but it is everyday that I think of you and our other fallen brothers. May you rest in peace and greet us when we get there!!
David Smith
April 2, 2007
I miss my old buddy and will miss him till We meet again in heaven. He was a good friend and close battle buddy. I just wish I could have been there to watch his back. We'll meet again brother. Till then you'll have to watch my Six.
bob slezak
February 7, 2007
deepest expression of sympathy to the family of ssgt sherwood baker..i was the driver along with his escort ..from dover air force base to willkes barre .sorry i could not stay to meet you ..and thanks to the willkes barre police for helping us ..bob slezak ([email protected]),,,dover delaware ..
Tom Gugliuzza-Smith
January 20, 2007
My heartfelt sympathy to the Baker family in the loss of Sherwood. I did not know Sherwood, (I lived in the Easton/Bangor PA area 52 years) but my heart is broken and I am saddened for your loss of such a fine young person and hero. May God bring you peace in your heart as you reflect on all the wonderful memories you hold so close. Please know that you are in my heart and prayers. My heart was touched by the many wonderful/beautiful things written about you. Sherwood in April it will be three years since you were taken. Know that you are my hero and you will NEVER be forgotten.
I send each of you a hug from the most inner part of my heart.
Love and Peace
Tom
To live in the hearts
of those you leave behind
is never to die"
~Robert Orr~
Carl Philistine
December 2, 2006
My wife and I knew Sherwood when he dejayed at LISPY'S Lounge. This man was the type of person that when you met him the first time it was like you always known him. He was a good person and I know wanted to make a difference with whatever he needed to do. We all miss you.
October 4, 2006
to the sherwood family,
i did not know sherwood but as a brave solider you will have so many memories of him. we also lost our son 13 months ago , he was 24.
god bless you.
lynn
philadelphia
the boys
September 11, 2006
we miss you uncle sherwood! love, zackery,anthonie,jamison, and aiden
Deborah Edmiston
November 6, 2005
I am so sorry for the whole Baker family about the lose of Sherwood. I remember him from the Roman Catholic Band. He was in the band with my son James,(Mickey). I have many pictures of the band and the good times they shared. You will be in my prayers.
Becky Philistine
August 17, 2005
Our sincere condolences to Sherwood's wife, son and all of his family. We only knew him for a short time, but he was a wonderful person. God Bless You Sherwood, you are missed by so many and you made so many people happy with your kind words and wonderful music.
Azeb Kinder
August 12, 2005
I went to Houston Elementary school with Sherwood. I haven't seen him since that time, but I remembered that he always seemed like such a nice person. May his soul rest in peace, and God bless his family and firends.
Sheila Glaser
July 15, 2005
I'm sorry for his wife Debra + son AJ .knew the family briefly.through an ex-boyfriend. May God bless and keep you both at his side. -Amen- SGT. Baker did and duty for his country.
Henryk Zaleski USN-Ret
May 8, 2005
I do not know you but I do know what sacrifice means and you made the ultimate one.Rest in peace may God grant you eternal joy.
Tom Kearney
April 5, 2005
Greetings: I knew Sherwood as a young student at Roman Catholic High School in Philadelphia. He and our son Tim were classmates and members of the school band. They graduated in 1991 and when news of Sherwood reached the Roman community, I shared with them a photo of he and Tim on their graduation nite. They posted the photo on the school's web site. Sherwood also played football and was a very good student. Our sympathies are extended to his families and we shall remember him for his loyalty to his family, his friends, and to his country. Rest in peace, Sherwood.
The Kearney's
keith krause
March 22, 2005
To the Family of Sgt. Sherwood Baker:
My sincere thanks for the sacrifice your family has made to secure freedom for my family now and into the future. Sgt. Baker is part of "The Greatest Generation Part II" and for that you should always be proud. Thank you Sgt. Baker and I am sure the Lord has welcomed you into his kingdom.
Vicki (Haasz) Miller
March 9, 2005
What can I say? I've known Sherwood a long time. Many of my early childhood memories are filled with him and the other Zappala kids. He lived only 4 houses up the street on Mt. Airy Ave. I was a babysitter to him. He had the most energy of all the kids I babysat! Behind all of that energy he had a huge heart! His home was one of freedom of expression, love and respect for eachother. Even as a child I enjoyed watching Celest interact with her children. I have not met his wife or son but knowing the person Sherwood was I'm sure they each have a heart of gold! All of you are in my prayers! 1st Peter 5:7
patricia creazzo
May 10, 2004
my deepest sympathy to debra and jd. my thaughts and prayers are with you. sherwood was a good friend and coworker. we had many interesting lunches. i will always remember my friend
Mr. & Mrs Lynn Fitser
May 5, 2004
Our dearest sympathy to the family Of Sgt. Sherwood Baker. Our hearts go out to the family and friends. He will always be in our hearts and mind. We are sorry for the loss of speical person. He will be greatly missed.
Sincerely
Fitser Family
Lucille Hillerman
May 4, 2004
To Sherwood's Family:
Please accept my sincerest sympathy for your tremendous loss. Sherwood was a very fine young man.I was one of Sherwood's high school counselors at R.C.H.S. He always wanted to go to King's College and nowhere else. I also traveled with the band as faculty moderator. I got to know him in a different way. I will nver forget his gentle good-nature and his kindness even as a young man. The world will lose out, but heaven has a new trumpeter. God bless you all!
"Mrs. H."
Mary Carroll Allen
May 3, 2004
To Sherwood's Family and Extended Family,
It has been many many years since I had seen Sherwood. My memory of him was a an inquisitive young child growing up our street. I am saddend that we have lost another good soul.
My warmest thoughts and prayers.
Mary Carroll (Moran) Allen
maryjo morreale
May 3, 2004
please accept our deepest sympathy on your loss of your loved one. we are very grateful as you are proud of his choice to protect and defend us and his country. you all will be remembered in our prayers. may God protect you always.
Sue Kwiatkowski
May 3, 2004
I worked in the cubicle next to Sherwood for over a year. I was able to hear some of his conversations and one in particular has been in my mind. One day Sherwood was talking to JD to touch base with him because Sherwood was going directly ot DJ after work. Their conversation ended with JD saying "I love you"to Sherwood and Sherwood saying "I love you more ". The exchange continued for a while and I remember thinking what a nice conversation it was. I hope JD never forgets how much his dad loved him and how much he meant to all of us.
TOM KOKURA
May 3, 2004
GOD BLESS YOU ALL. SHERWOOD WAS A GOOD MAN AND FINE GENTLEMAN.
Patty Cannon
May 3, 2004
I am very sorry about your loss. I am a co-worker of Sherwood. He was a great friend as well as a wonderful co-worker.
Jody Silva
May 2, 2004
Jeremy and our family will miss working with his favorite MHMR worker. God Bless you for you sacrafice.
Jody, Art and Jeremy
Crystal Truax (Vlastaris)
May 1, 2004
I am so sorry for the loss of Sherwood. I remember being 17-18 yrs ols and ALWAYS listenin to him on 88.5..He would play my song "youre all i need to survive" by mary j Blige...he used to joke around with me when i seen him with debbie...he will always be in my heart and in my prayers...god bless him and may he be watchin over all of us I miss ya Sherwood my fav DJ
Tamara Phillips
May 1, 2004
May both of the familys find peace and serenity during these moments of heartache and pain. Friendship and love always, Tamara Phillips
Bernard Grzyb
May 1, 2004
I wish to express my appreciation of Sgt. Baker's service, and extend my sympathy to his family.
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