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Robert Baker Obituary
Robert C. Baker, leading real estate developer and philanthropist, director, and beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother, died peacefully on November 22, 2020. He was 85 years old.
Robert founded and served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of National Realty Development Corp., one of the US' largest privately-owned real estate development companies, controlling 22 million square feet of retail space in 76 shopping centers across 16 states.
He was a member of the Board of HBC, which owns Saks Fifth Avenue, Saks OFF 5TH and Canada's Hudson's Bay. He had also served on the Boards of City & Suburban Savings Bank and the Retail Opportunity Investments Corp. He was Executive Director of Gerald Ford's election campaign for New York State in 1976.
Together with his wife of 30 years, Christina Baker, Robert gave generously to numerous educational, medical, cultural and Jewish causes. These included charities in New York, Greenwich and Palm Beach where the couple resided.
Robert was a proud alumnus of Yale University, where he received both his Bachelor of Arts and Law Degree. In 2018, Yale University named a new academic, social, and residential hub for law students, Robert C. and Christina Baker Hall, in honor of the couple's gift toward its development. The building was the school's first permanent physical expansion since 1931. He and his wife also established the Nathan Baker Professorship of Law in honor of his father.
He also served as trustee and treasurer of the Guggenheim Museum and a member of the Museum's Executive Committee, and a Director of Johns Hopkins Medicine.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughters Lauren (Scott) Pinkus and Ashley Baker, his sons Richard (Lisa) Baker and Nelson Baker; his grandchildren Emma and Francesca Richman, Bettina (Thomas) Obersteiner, and Henry, Jack, Serena, Anna and Veronica Baker; and his brother Gerald (Susan) Baker .
Funeral services will be held privately. The family requests those who wish to express sympathy consider making a donation to the Central Park Conservancy in Robert's memory.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Baker
William Higinbotham
April 8, 2024
Scanned image from Yale 1956 Class Book
Greg Stepic
November 17, 2023
I was there for the beginning of NRDC in Greenwich over 40 years ago. Bob was very talented and always took care of his employees in a meaningful way. May he rest in peace
Adriane & Mark Greenberg
December 17, 2021
Dear Christina, thinking of you one year after Bob´s passing. Our belated condolences on your great loss. We remember Bob´s warmth & friendly way. The two of you a wonderful couple. We hope you´re doing ok. Love, Adriane & Mark Greenberg
Adriane & Mark Greenberg
December 17, 2021
Dear Christina, a little over a year since Bob´s passing & we still think of him & his warm friendly manner. As we weren´t able to reach u when Bob passed, we send u now our heart felt deepest sympathy. Love, Adriane & Mark Greenberg
Lynne Glaser
November 30, 2020
Dear Christina and Family,
I just read that your wonderful husband/father/grandfather passed. I'm so sorry to hear the sad news. Being a friend of your family through Sylvia for so many years was like being part of your family. I feel like we knew Bob well as Sylvia was so proud of Bob and Gerry. Whenever my family saw Bob, he was so kind, generous, and interested in what was going on in our lives. He really appreciated my mom's friendship with Sylvia. We have a wonderful history with The Baker Family. I send my most sincere condolences to all of you.
Lynne Glaser
Cindy Tay
November 26, 2020
Call me Bob! He flashed a big, warm and charming smile. The kind of smile that envelopes you and makes feel welcomed and puts you immediately at ease. Thank you for warmly welcoming me into the Guggenheim family. For being the first to say hello. To offer a smile across the boardroom and always ready with a hug. I will miss seeing your friendly face at all future meetings. Liam and I will always be grateful for your friendship and kindness.
Cindy x Liam Tay
Maria Annunziata
November 26, 2020
Robert C. Baker
A Tour de Force
A Force hard to reckon with
A Force difficult to ignore
A Force impossible to forget.
May God grant his soul eternal peace.
Simone Taylor
November 26, 2020
No one can prepare you for a loss; it comes like a swift wind. However, take comfort in knowing God is with you and your family lean on him in your time of need. Please accept my most heartfelt condolences.
Steven Kacenski
November 25, 2020
I was Mr. Baker’s personal pilot for over 16 years. It was an honor and pleasure to have worked for him. I felt as if I was part of his family and not an employee. I am blessed with a lifetime of the most amazing memories anyone could imagine and going to miss him deeply. My condolences to all of his family. God Speed Mr. Baker!
Faith Cunningham
November 25, 2020
Deepest condolences to the Baker family during this difficult time. You are in my prayers.
Faith
Greg Stepic
November 24, 2020
I worked with "RCB" for almost 20 years and treasured his integrity and ability- he was brilliant! He treated his employees with dignity, respect and generosity and valued their work and dedication. He will be missed by many which in the end is perhaps the biggest compliment one can give any human being. Rest in Peace Bob
November 24, 2020
Dear Christina,
Howard and I were shocked and so very sad to hear about Robert. We are out of town and cannot visit now.He was a very special guy loved and respected by so many who will certianly miss him. We send our love and condolences to the family and to his many friends and hope to see you when we return to New York.Our love to you
Judie and Howard Ganek.........
Michael Smith
November 24, 2020
We have lost a great friend. He will be missed by all
Robert Kesten
November 23, 2020
He was a generous man who deeply loved his family. Many who have benefited greatly from his help will miss him and his thoughtfulness.
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