Robert L. Baker

1935 - 2021

Robert L. 'Bob' Baker

ALFRED - On Friday (Nov. 19, 2021) Robert L. "Bob" Baker went home to be with his Lord, surrounded by his family.

Bob was born in Hornell on April 20, 1935, the son of the late Milton and Eloise Greene Baker. On Aug. 26, 1956, he married Barbara J. Allen, who survives.

He grew up in Almond. Upon graduation from Alfred-Almond Central School in 1953, Bob attended Springfield College in Springfield, Mass., where he graduated in 1957. He later completed his master's degree from Alfred University.

From 1957-1962, Bob taught and coached in Belmont Central School, followed by 16 years at Alfred University as head basketball and tennis coach, and three years as the first soccer coach.

In 2018, he was inducted into the Genesee Valley Central School Wall of Fame for his accomplishments in several sports at the high school and collegiate level, as well as for his 21 years of coaching high school and college athletics.

From 1978 until 2011, Bob was an area coordinator for Community Services Systems, a nationwide Christian public relations company. In 1980, he was honored as "Man of the Year."

Bob is survived by the love of his life for 65-plus years, Barbara A. Baker; a daughter, Cindi Williams of The Villages, Fla.; two sons, John (Colleen) Baker of Rochester and Bill (Jenny) Baker of Almond; eight grandchildren, Krislyn Norton, Kelli (Luis) Romero, Katelyn (Jeff) Englehart, Stephen (Taylor) Baker, Carly Baker, Lindsy (Greg) Palmer, Ryan (Holli) Baker and Tyler Baker; and 10 great-grandchildren, Alivia Norton, Jayce Englehart, Liam Englehart, Carter Englehart, Elle Palmer, Audrey Palmer, Parker Palmer, Harper Baker, Hudson Baker and Riley Baker.

Bob was predeceased by his parents; his sister, Mary Petric; his brother, Dick Baker; and son-in-law, Ron Williams.

Bob was a member and former elder of the Alfred-Almond Bible Church. He served for many years on the capital executive board at Family Life Ministry, the Alfred-Almond Alumni Board and Sports Hall of Fame committees for both Alfred-Almond and Alfred University.

Although sports had been the dominant part of his life, especially golf in his later years, his real passion was his family and his Lord. He loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, as well as Bible studies with his church family.

A celebration of life service will be held at Alfred-Almond Bible Church at a future date to be announced.

Arrangements are under the direction of Baker-Swan Funeral Home in Andover.

Online condolences may be offered at www.baker-swan.com.

Memorial contributions in Bob's memory may be made to Fellowship of Christian Athletics, c/o Upstate NY FCA, 1100 University Ave., Ste. 140, Rochester, NY 14607 or Family Life Radio, PO Box 506, Bath, NY 14810. © 2021 Baker-Swan Funeral Home.