Brian D. Baynes

Brian Daniel Baynes, 69, of Utica, passed away on Saturday, July 26, 2025. He was born in Rome, NY, on October 16, 1955, the son of Jacqueline Marguerite (Moore) Baynes and John Wallis Baynes.
Brian was a 1967 graduate of South Broward High School (FL). He had been employed at Burger King and at the YMCA. He also did volunteer work for several charities. However, his greatest joy was antiquing for which he had a keen eye for quality, price, and forever looking for just the right gift for a friend.
Brian loved food especially the homecooked meals from his mother, sister, and neighbor. He had a special fondness for pizza, wings, and desserts. He also enjoyed receiving letters and cards. For years, he could be found either at the south Utica Price Chopper coffee area or downtown visiting places. The visitors who brought the biggest smiles were the neighbor's dogs, who would automatically turn up his sidewalk if he was on the porch for a visit.
Brian had many friends who helped him on his journey, Betty Abel-Jellencich, George Abel, and Bob Nelson, were among the many. He loved sitting on his porch or the neighbor's porch, waving to all the people he knew. He enjoyed living on Genesee St. for eighteen years next to George and Betty.
Brian is survived by his sister/caregiver, Marie-France "Mimi" Kunkel; Mimi's daughters, Wendy (Scott) Matteson, of Tyngsboro, MA, and Kimberly Moore Wood of Banger, ME, and their children; and his brother, John F. Baynes of Elmwood Park, IL. Brian is predeceased by his parents, Jacquline M. Baynes and John Wallis Baynes; and a special brother-in-law, Michael Kunkel.
A Memorial Mass will be held on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at 11:00 AM at St. Peter's Church, N. James, St., Rome. Interment will take place in St. Peter's Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in Brian's memory to the Herkimer Humane Society, 514 Rt. 55, Mohawk, NY, 13407, or the Northern Light Lafayette Family Cancer Institute, c/o Northen Light Health Foundation, PO Box 931, Bangor, ME, 04402. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Nunn and Harper Funeral Home, Inc., 418 N. George St., Rome. You may read the obituary and send a message of sympathy at www.nunnandharper.com.