Robert (Bob) E Baker Jr

Robert E. Baker Jr. (Bob), 72, of Mechanicsburg, PA, passed away on Monday March 20, 2023.

He was born on January 28, 1951, in Westmoreland County, PA to the late Robert E. Baker and Gayle (Brown) Baker, and raised in Washington County. He is survived by his wife Anne (Chamberlain); his brothers Kenneth, David and Scott; his sisters Kathleen (Kolb) and Becky (Boyer); his daughter Sarah; his son Mac and daughter-in-law Sarah (Polasky), and 3 grandchildren - Blaise, Thatcher, and Agnes.

Robert graduated from the University of Pittsburgh, and embarked on a professional career of more than 45 years in governmental affairs. He held several key positions in state government under Gov. Thornburgh, and in the federal government during the Reagan Administration. He then transitioned to the private sector, working for BATUS (in Louisville), Conrail (in Philadelphia), and finally as a Vice President of Capital Blue Cross (in Harrisburg) until his retirement in 2018. In each position, he helped to assure the accurate and timely exchange of information and concerns among government agencies, private businesses and other stakeholders.

He loved to travel, and made several trips across the U.S., visiting baseball parks and every state except Alaska. He skiied in Colorado and enjoyed the beaches of the Outer Banks, typically fueled by peanut M&Ms and Coca-Cola, and often monitored local weather events, earning him the nickname of "Cap'n Bob".

Most importantly, Bob was a devoted husband and father, and was thrilled to take on the role of grandfather. His family and friends will miss his warmth, quick-witted humor and willingness to help no matter the occasion. We will think of him and miss him every day.

A memorial service will be scheduled in the near future. Friends may check with the Neill Funeral Home in Camp Hill for updated information, or to send condolences. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.