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Dennis James Baker

1952 - 2025

Dennis James Baker obituary, 1952-2025, Cattaraugus, NY

BORN

1952

DIED

2025

FUNERAL HOME

DiStasio Funeral Home - Cattaraugus

55 S Main St

Cattaraugus, New York

Dennis Baker Obituary

CATTARAUGUS - Dennis James Baker, 73, of Cattaraugus, passed away unexpectedly in the early morning hours of Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025.

He was born Feb. 10, 1952, in Gowanda, son of the late Robert and Doris (Fuss) Baker. On July 22, 1972, Dennis married his high school sweetheart, Elyse (Briggs) Baker, who survives.

Mr. Baker worked for the United States Postal Service for 33 years.

He was a member of the Village of Cattaraugus zoning board, an avid Buffalo sports fan, enjoyed bowling at Ken Lanes in Gowanda and recently joined Brick Lane Speedway with his "bro-in-law."

Denny and Elyse enjoyed their traveling adventures with Beth and Kimber Erhart. Dennis also coached basketball for many years.

Besides his devoted wife of 53 years, Dennis is survived by a sister, Pamela Baker of Cattaraugus; two daughters, Nichole (Scott) Zeafla of Cattaraugus and Jillian (Bill) Sills of Little Valley; two sons, Brandon Baker of Fuquay Varina, N.C., and Evan (Shelby) Baker of Lancaster; 10 grandchildren, Kyle (Haley), Sydney, Preston, Justin, Jaycee, Aryana, Lily, Amelia, Owen and Cameron; three step-grandchildren, Andrea, Andrew and Adam (Haley); two special great-grandchildren, Ellee and Caiden; and several nieces and nephews.

Private services will be held by the family.

The Baker family would like to express a special thank you to Cattaraugus first responders, Gowanda EMS, Ellicottville Fire Chief, EMS chief and the Cattaraugus County Sheriff's Office for assisting the family.

Memorials may be made out to Cattaraugus Fire and EMS.

Arrangements are entrusted to DiStasio Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.distasiofuneralhome.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Salamanca Press on Jan. 1, 2026.

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2 Entries

Doug Hiller

January 5, 2026

Dennis was a great person to know. He was witty which made us click as friends. It wasn't to long ago when I saw him outside working. I stopped my car and rolled down my windows to chat with him. As usual it was a pleasant witty conversation. I traveled on with a smile on my face and thankful for the time we just shared.

Joseph A. Prusinowski LUTCF

January 2, 2026

My Deepest condolences to the Baker Family. Spent many a day in the hallways with Dennis in good old Cattaraugus High School. I am sure he will be missed!
Joseph Prusinowski LUTCF

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DiStasio Funeral Home - Cattaraugus

55 S Main St, Cattaraugus, NY 14719

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