Brian Courtney Baker

Brian C. Baker – beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend – passed away on September 6, 2025, in Arizona. Brian, a first-generation American, was the eldest of three children born to Morris Baker (who was born in Ukraine and fled the country under persecution from Stalin's regime) and Mary Baker (née Judge), who was born in Galway, Ireland. Born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on December 27, 1944, Brian is survived by his daughter, Sara Given, and her husband, Chris; his son, Paolo Conti, and his wife, Fernanda; and his daughter, Renata Conti. He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren: Caitlyn and Colin Given; Camilla and Bianca Conti; and Lilliana Conti. In addition, he is survived by his brother, Richard Baker, and his wife, Nancy; as well as his nieces and nephews: Jake Hansen, Alexis Feltovic, Lauren Baker, Max Mitchell, and Samantha Mitchell. Brian was preceded in death by his parents, Morris and Mary; his uncle Sam; his former wife, Kathleen (née Cahill); his beloved sister, Brenda Mitchell; and his nephew, Christopher Baker. Brian was raised in Plainville, Connecticut, where he developed a deep love for athletics, playing basketball for his alma maters, Plainville High School and Mitchell College. He continued to play well into adulthood. In 1967, after graduating from Mitchell College with an associate degree, Brian joined the Army and proudly served his country in Vietnam as a member of the Army Corps of Engineers. He earned several honors, including the National Defense Service Medal, Expert Badge (Rifle), and Vietnam Service Medal and Campaign Ribbon. After receiving an honorable discharge and returning stateside, Brian completed his bachelor's degree at Central Connecticut State University and later earned an MBA from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Brian worked for H.O. Penn for several years, selling machinery in Connecticut and New York. With a strong entrepreneurial spirit, Brian devoted much of his professional life to building "Baker Enterprises," which included NAPA Auto Parts stores in Portland, Middletown, Kensington, and Cromwell, Connecticut, as well as numerous commercial real estate developments. His desire to build and develop continued well beyond the sale of his businesses and his move to Arizona in 2002. After relocating to Fountain Hills, Arizona, Brian designed and built a Frank Lloyd Wright–style home. He became a master craftsman, creating nearly all the furniture that graced the house, and continued to develop real estate properties and build businesses – most recently a tax preparation firm called "The American Tax Center." Brian was a man who worked tirelessly to pursue all that life had to offer. In addition to his professional endeavors, he was an avid pilot, a devoted fan of all New England sports teams (including the Celtics, Red Sox, and Whalers), and a tremendous athlete. He loved reading (particularly about history), woodworking, and music – especially the Blues and Motown. Along with basketball, he weight-lifted, boxed, cycled, and hiked throughout the western United States, frequently returning to Connecticut to spend time with family and friends. Above all, Brian was a generous mentor, always ready to listen and share thoughtful advice with his siblings, children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, employees, friends, and even strangers. He leaves behind a legacy of lives he helped shape, charities he supported with his time and resources, and countless stories. He will be greatly missed and forever remembered. A private graveside will be held in the State Veterans Cemetery at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, 1530 Wilson Blvd, Suite 550, Arlington, VA 22209." https://www.vvmf.org/Support-VVMF/Memorial-Donations/. To share memories or send condolences, please visit www.doolittlefuneralservice.com. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Brian Courtney Baker, please visit our floral store.