Holbrook Baker

Holbrook Baker
Holbrook "Hoby" Baker, a longtime resident of Darien, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on October 31, 2025. He was 76 years old.
Born on June 7, 1949, in Boston, MA, he was the son of Arline Francis (Chaffee) Fay and Nicholas Baker. Hoby moved to Darien in 1958, with his mother, stepfather, brothers, Nicholas and Allen, and sister, Ruthie. He lived in Darien and Rowayton for the majority of his life.
Hoby spent most of his high school years attending Darien High School, where he formed many lifelong friendships. He graduated from Scituate High School in Massachusetts in 1969 before returning to Darien.
Hoby began his 50-plus-year career in construction, in Darien, a lifelong passion that blended his artistic eye with his technical skill. As a project manager with PG Properties, he forged special friendships with Penny Glassmeyer and her talented team as they transformed and beautified neighborhoods and downtown Darien.
Hoby approached life with curiosity, energy, and a deep appreciation for the world around him. He was happiest in motion, by boat, motorcycle, or car, and loved stopping in to visit the friends he treasured. The water was his greatest playground: boating, sailing, kayaking, waterskiing, windsurfing, fishing, and snorkeling were lifelong joys, all of which he loved teaching to his nieces and nephews. When not on the water, he enjoyed long motorcycle rides with friends. He had an eye for hidden beauty and a talent for restoration, lovingly reviving old cars, motorcycles, tools, and furniture.
His love of the outdoors extended to the animals who accompanied him throughout his life. He especially adored dogs and was rarely without one by his side: riding in his motorcycle sidecar, waiting patiently at job sites, or tagging along on visits with friends. Over the years, he cared for many loyal companions, with Morgan faithfully by his side in his final years.
At the center of Hoby's life was a deep love for family. He was predeceased by his father, Nicholas Baker; his mother, Arlie Fay; and his half-sister, Patricia "Patty" Gardner.
He is survived by a large and close-knit family: his siblings, Nicholas Baker Jr. (Clare) of Yorktown, VA, Ruthie Strother (Jay) of Darien, William (Nancy) Baker, and Ward Gardner; and his stepsiblings: Barbara Anne Peters (Ralph) of Greensboro, NC, Charles (Ellen) Peters of Williamsburg, VA, John (Jean) Peters of Myrtle Beach, SC, and Nina (Bill) Fay of Bradenton, FL. He is also survived by the nieces and nephews he cherished: Laura (Ted), Nicholas (Mary), Fr. Brian, Thomas, Jennifer (Brian), Jay, Bob, and Lynne (Henry), and by their children, who brought him boundless joy.
The family is deeply grateful to the staff and caregivers at Brightview on New Canaan, as well as to the LVAD team of doctors and nurses at Columbia Presbyterian, whose love, concern, and exceptional care were a true blessing.
A celebration of Hoby's life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to an animal shelter of your choosing.