Dear friends, family, and kind-hearted strangers,

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing Ken Baker (Clay, New York) on February 14, 2025. Ken was the type of person who always put others first. He would do anything for anyone, at the drop of a hat.

As we come to terms with Ken’s passing, we are faced with the difficult task of arranging for his final farewell. We want to give him the heartfelt send-off he deserves, but unfortunately, the financial burden of funeral expenses is overwhelming for our family during this already challenging time.

We are reaching out to our community for support in honoring Ken’s memory. Any contribution, no matter how small, will help alleviate the financial strain and allow us to focus on grieving and remembering him fondly.

Funds raised will go toward the anticipated expenses (please see breakdown below). Your generosity will make a meaningful difference in ensuring that Ken is laid to rest with the dignity and respect he deserves.

We also appreciate your thoughts, prayers, and messages of support throughout this difficult time. Your kindness means the world to us as we navigate through our grief.

Thank you for your compassion and generosity. Together, we can give Ken a proper farewell.

Here is a breakdown of anticipated expenses:

Funeral Home & Cremation Expenses $3,160

Headstone est. $2,500

Death Certificates $60

Memorial Cards $150

Obituary Photo $35

Urn $98

Plot $800

Donation to Church for Last Rites & Prayer for Celebration of Life $150

Celebration of Life

Venue Rental $200

Guest Book $39

Programs $25

Food est. (~100 people @ $25/pp) $2,500

Total of Expenses $9,717

Minus Life Insurance $5,004

Balance $4,713

Here is Ken's story -

Ken was born in Utica, NY to the late Milton Jesse and Barbara June (Gilbert) Baker. He had many struggles throughout his life, but never lost his smile or sense of humor. Ken was the type of person who always put others first. He would do anything for anyone, at the drop of a hat.

Ken loved us all, especially his grandson, Orion. He was an amazing grandpa, the best dad to Patrick (and father-in-law to Rita), and a loving husband for 45 years to Pam.

Ken's life revolved around sports and music. He loved talking your ear off about his favorite sports teams, including the Boston Bruins, Baltimore Orioles, Green Bay Packers, and Los Angeles Lakers. He also loved The Three Stooges and Star Wars.

He could often be found jamming out to the radio or his CDs, and particularly loved Bob Seger's "Old Time Rock & Roll." Throughout the 80s and 90s, he and his best friend, Alan Kio, had a DJ company called, "Mega Hits of the Stars." Whenever Harry Chapin's "Cats In The Cradle" came on, he always called Patrick to say hello. Every year on Patrick's birthday, he called to play "Birthday" by the Beatles.

Ken graduated from Cicero High School. He started out working at Topps Market in North Syracuse, where he reunited with Pam from his high school days. Later, he worked at Sweetheart Markets in North Syracuse, where Patrick has fond memories of pricing items and stocking shelves as a kid. Ken then worked for Price Chopper Markets until retirement in 2020.

Ken enjoyed talking with customers, and helping them however he could. One memorable story at Price Chopper is that he found someone stealing an entire shopping cart full of fish and meat, amounting to several hundreds of dollars! The manager thanked and celebrated Ken for his awareness and diligence to let them know.

His last few years of his life were tough. Ken was diagnosed with dementia, and although he was pretty physically active throughout the time, there were good days and challenging days.

The day he had to permanently move into Van Dyne was a really nice last day. He went out pumpkin picking with his grandson, Orion, a few days before Halloween. That evening Ken had a detrimental series of seizures and likely a stroke. He went to Van Dyne rehabilitation center, and was looking better. Unfortunately, the next few months had its ups and downs with falls, additional rehab after unexplained seizures, and other health issues. Two weeks before his passing, he had an upswing with a really sweet visit with his grandson, Orion, and him enjoying his favorite song. The next two weeks Ken unfortunately had a turn with a day of seizures and another possible stroke. He was not able to speak, eat or drink. When Ken passed in the middle of this night, his son, Patrick, was by his side.

Ken is survived by his wife of 45 years, Pam; his son, Patrick Baker and daughter-in-law, Rita Torsney-Sullivan; a grandson, Orion Baker; sisters, Debbie Rebstock and Diane (Tom) Mullins; brothers, Mike and Tim Baker; aunts, Helen Fountain and Lorraine Baker Mallan; seven nieces, Jennifer, Alissa, Christine, Carrie, Stacy, Bambi and Amie; a nephew, J.T.; several cousins, great nieces and nephews, and his favorite feline friend, Midnight.

It is bitter sweet; we are happy Ken is no longer in pain, but devastated that he is gone.

A Celebration of Ken's life will be on Sunday, March 16, 2025 from 4:00 - 7:00 pm at VFW Post 3146, 2000 LeMoyne Avenue, Mattydale, NY. He will be buried in North Syracuse Cemetery.