Albert H. Baker Jr.

1925 - 2016

SEEKONK - Albert H. Baker, Jr., 90, of County Street in Seekonk, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, March 29, 2016. He took his final breath before loved ones at the same homestead in which his parents had died, as was his long-time wish.
He was the youngest son of the late Albert H. and Gertrude W. (Boardman) Baker, and husband of Elaine H. (Smith) Baker of Seekonk and Melbourne Village, Fla. Elaine and Al were married for 62 years.
Mr. Baker was born in Providence, and in 1943 as an East Providence High School senior, he enlisted in WWII. He served with the Eighth Air Force, as a ball turret gunner in 1944 during his B-24's flights from England to bomb Berlin. After the war, he returned to EPHS to earn his diploma in 1947, and then worked at the Seekonk Post Office, beginning as a part-time clerk and ending as the town's Assistant Postmaster.
After retiring in 1981, Al - as he was affectionately known - did odd jobs for a while before taking an interest in painting with oils. He slowly worked on trying to perfect his new craft, and his paintings became fairly well known in the area. He was awarded many ribbons for his paintings in local and regional art shows, with dozens of canvases being purchased by collectors over a 20-year stint at the renowned Scituate Art Festival.
He also served as a South Seekonk Farm League baseball manager, coaching his two boys; and as a representative during the period of the Seekonk's Representative Town Meetings.
A passionate golfer who captured several titles as a member of the weekly Pinecrest League at Swansea Country Club, the last one at age 81 in 2008. Al loved sports in general, and in particular was a big fan of the Red Sox and Patriots.
He is survived, in addition to his wife, by his children, Janneane (Bob) Randall; Jonathan (Brenda) Baker; Jill Baker; Jeremy (Maggie) Baker; and Maria (Randy Hagood) Sparsis. He also has six beloved grandchildren, including Allison (Chris) Randall; Leila (Kris) Hoy; Andrew Randall; Meredith Laurence; Benjamin Franklin Baker; and Rosie Grace Baker; and two step-grandchildren, Russell and Benjamin Doiron.
His love for his faithful dog, Corky, knew no bounds. They spent hundreds of afternoons together strolling the streets and fields near Luther's Corners.
Al was the last of 12 children who now have all passed away. They included Ruth Tracy, Allison Baker, Carleton Baker, Gertrude Hughes, Freeman Baker, George Baker, Sarah Gray, Ellen Colwell, Elizabeth Baker, Rhoda Lewis and Hope Kiefer.
A private memorial service is being planned. In lieu of flowers to family members, please give a gift to your local animal shelter in his memory. His family would greatly appreciate an offering of any kind.