BENJAMIN B. BAKER

1939 - 2024

BAKER, Benjamin B. Benjamin "Ben" Beale Baker of South Dartmouth, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and esteemed community member, passed away on January 9th, at the age of 84. Born on July 1, 1939, in Boston, to Talbot Baker of Milton and Polly Nichols (Beale) of Boston, Ben was raised in Millis, later graduating from Dedham Country Day and Milton Academy in 1957. His summers on Cape Cod at the family's home on Wings Neck ignited a lifelong passion for sailing and the water. He entered Harvard College in 1957 and, after a brief hiatus to enlist in the U.S. Coast Guard, graduated in 1962 with a BA in History. Ben's tenure in the U.S. Coast Guard marked a significant chapter in his life, beginning as an enlistee in 1958. He steadily ascended the rates, earning a commission as an officer in the reserves, ultimately reaching the rank of Captain, before his retirement in 1985. He earned a Master's in City and Regional Planning from UNC Chapel Hill in 1967. Ben's career in urban planning and transportation included significant contributions to New Bedford's development, serving as a City Planner under three mayors and founding the Southeastern Regional Transit Authority. Ben later served as the Chief of Staff for Mayor John Bullard from 1985 to 1987. Post-civil service, Ben and Deborah combined their love for books and information with a commitment to enhancing education and literacy in the greater New Bedford community by venturing into the world of bookselling. He and Deborah opened Baker Books, in 1989, with the motto of "Purveyors of Information and Imagination." Baker Books became a cornerstone of the community for 25-plus years before closing its doors in 2014. Outside of work, Ben was active in many community and educational-focused organizations serving on the boards of the Wheeler School, the Global Learning Charter Public School, and the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center, just to name a few. An avid sailor, Ben found himself cruising with family and friends around the waters of New England any chance he could get, including several Marion to Bermuda races. He was elected to the Cruising Club of America in 1972 and was also a member of the Buzzards and New Bedford Yacht Clubs, where he served on the board. Ben, Deborah, and the boys enjoyed many memorable times on the water over the years. Ben was predeceased by his brother, Nicholas; and survived by his wife of 41 years, Deborah (Murphy); his sons, Andrew (wife Amanda) and Alexander (wife Kristine); grandchildren, Samuel, Anna, and Cameron; siblings, Toby Baker and Hope L. Baker; and a wide circle of family and friends. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a charitable donation to the Zeiterion Performing Arts Center, Development, 128 Union Street, Suite LL5, New Bedford, MA 02740. His Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 11:00 AM in Grace Episcopal Church, County Street, New Bedford, MA 02740. Relatives and friends are invited. Burial is Private. To leave a note of condolence: www.waring-sullivan.com

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