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Dale Baker Obituary
Trumansburg - Dale W. Baker, age 75, longtime resident of Hector Street, passed away at his home on Thursday, May 16, 2019.
Dale was born in Ithaca on October 25, 1943, a son of the late Walter and Madora (Otto) Baker. He graduated from Ithaca High School and earned his bachelor's degree in music from Ithaca College. Dale taught in the Trumansburg Schools for many years, retiring in 1999. In addition to teaching, he owned and operated Baker Tax Service from his home. He was an avid baseball fan, enjoyed playing pool and golfing.
He is survived by his loving wife, Nancy Boylan Baker; his children, Kevin (Vickie) Hicks of Lansing, Christopher (Tammy) Hicks of Bremerton, WA, Graig (Rachel) Baker of Washington, DC, Patrick Baker of Lansing; his stepsons, Anthony (Kana) Zinzola of Marlborough, MA and Scott (Samantha) Zinzola of Groton; 8 grandchildren, Christopher Robin Hicks, Michelle Hicks, Kodie Coyne, Tyler, Samara, Chloe, Lincoln, and Ella Zinzola; his brothers in law, Mike, William, Donald and Richard Boylan and their families; his faithful dog, Isabella and his loving cat, Oreo. Dale was preceded in death by his daughter, Shelley Baker.
A memorial service will be held privately by the family, at a future date. Kindly consider a donation in Dale's memory to: Trumansburg Area Food Pantry, PO Box 162, Trumansburg, NY 14886, SPCA of Tompkins County, 1640 Hanshaw Road, Ithaca, NY 14850 or Trumansburg Volunteer Fire Co-EMS, PO Box 418, Trumansburg, NY 14886.
For additional information, please contact Ness-Sibley Funeral Home at 607-387-8151 or visit www.covertfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Dale Baker
Sponsored by The Ithaca Journal.
Rob Licht
January 31, 2023
Mr Baker was a brilliant teacher- way ahead of his time. I remember learning about synthesized music and playing with recorded samples- in middle school! I was never musically inclined but he opened the door to another way to understand and create music that I think of to this day.
Mike G aka Spike
June 9, 2021
Big! I never realized you left us. My old friend, I’ll always hold our backroom games sacred, as some of The Highest education I’d ever received (yes, even beyond my own doctorates) and was able to later emulate. I’ll treasure the days when you, myself, Doug, Mike, and Davey - even Bill Conte would sometime stop by, although we never got ‘Lipper back there -and it was always the best pocket billiards for 100miles in any direction. Big, it had been a while since we last spoke. I’m gonna miss you, my tenor friend. All the best to your sons, Nancy, and now you’re with your daughter, Big. You fly high with those angels and I’ll be seeing ya again sooner than later!
Mike G aka Spike
June 9, 2021
Big! I never realized you left us. My old friend, I’ll always hold our backroom games sacred, as some of The Highest education I’d ever received (yes, even beyond my own doctorates) and was able to later emulate. I’ll treasure the days when you, myself, Doug, Mike, and Davey - even Bill Conte would sometime stop by, although we never got ‘Lipper back there -and it was always the best pocket billiards for 100miles in any direction. Big, it had been a while since we last spoke. I’m gonna miss you, my tenor friend. All the best to your sons, Nancy, and now you’re with your daughter, Big. You fly high with those angels and I’ll be seeing ya again sooner than later!
Joan and John Manheim
May 24, 2019
Dale sang at our wedding 40 years ago. He had a beautiful voice. May God Bless Him and his family.
Jennifer Weatherby
May 23, 2019
I am saddened to read this, as I had known Dale for many years. My sincere sympathy & prayers to Dale's family & friends. RIP my friend
Pam Golden Smith
May 23, 2019
Mr. Baker was my study hall teacher. He was so much fun... until Bonnie Bower and I made him a color chart (we thought he was color blind). He didn't think we were funny! So very sorry for his loss, but great memories he made for me in school.
Frank Scaglione
May 23, 2019
I grew up with Dale way back in Fall Creek when his family were living right next to the school, Madora was a janitor in our grade school. I remember Phil, Hank and his sister all older than Dale, the boys were great athletes,we had many soft ball games on the old playground. After they moved next door to us on Aurora street, we used to play card games on the Baker front porch, boy we had a great time back then, way before all these computer games we played until dark and then went in and had our baths and bedtime came early. RIP Dale the last of the Bakers. Seems difficult to say that all 4 of us boys are still above the grass now, most of our childhood friends have gone on to a better life. We shall all meet again I am sure. Fall Creek was the best.....
May 23, 2019
Our deepest condolences to the family.
We are sending love and good thoughts to you.
Jamie, Carrie and Ava VanGorder
May 23, 2019
Dale was a " Fall Cricker " from early days living on North Aurora Street while still in school. Truly blessed with an amazing singing voice as well as many other talents. Condolences to family and may your happy memories sustain you at this time.
Sincerely,
Buzz Redfield-Lyon
John & Margie VanDeMark
May 22, 2019
Dale did an excellent job on our taxes for many years and was great to work with. Our sympathy goes out to the family.
Garry and Gay Huddle
May 22, 2019
We are so sorry. Dale took care of our taxes for many years, but we also knew each other from long ago. We send our sincere sympathy.
Ed and Kathy Zaldokas
May 21, 2019
Our sincere condolences to Dale's family. One of Eddie's favorite pastimes was going to Dale's and having a few beers and playing pool.
Debbie Worden Szalkowski
May 21, 2019
Dale was one of the reasons I became a vocal music teacher and conductor. i will always remember his beautiful voice and sense of humor. thank you Dale for the encouragement to persue my dream. RIP!
Loulie Kent
May 20, 2019
Will always remember Dale's beautiful singing in high school. Wonderful that he went on to teach music. Condolences to all the family.
Loulie Hoffman Kent, IHS '61
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