Vernon James Baker

Vernon J. Baker of Hobe Sound, Florida, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, October 12, 2024. He was 93 years old. Vern was born in New Britain, CT, the son of George and Sylvia (Penta) Baker. Vern was predeceased by his wife, Mary L. Baker, as well as his first wife, Dorothy Hart. He worked for over 40 years for General Electric in Plainville, CT and served many years on the Board of Directors for the UBI credit union. He was a U.S. Army veteran stationed in Germany in the late 1950s.

An avid sports fan, he rooted for many New England teams, especially his beloved Boston Red Sox. He also played many sports including track and field, baseball, basketball, tennis, and golf. He loved to travel and saw many exotic locales including the Caribbean islands, Alaska, and Hawaii. But his favorite trips were summers vacationing at Cape Cod, MA with his family. After spending 70 years in Connecticut, he retired with his wife of 27 years, Frances (Gesner) Baker, to the warmth of Florida.

He loved his family and friends passionately and his humor, playfulness, generosity, and kindness shone through to all.

He is survived by his wife, Fran (Gesner) Baker, his sons and daughters in-law: Vernon G. Baker & Katherine Fagerburg of New Britain, CT; Michael V. & Virginia Baker of Herndon, VA; Richard A. Baker & Lisa Seethaler of Marlborough, CT, and Ronald Baker. Vern and Fran’s beautiful, blended family included her children, Mark & Karen Gesner of Bristol, CT and Kathy Gesner of Hardeeville, SC. Their 14 grandchildren are: Kelly (& Ted), Kevin (& Nicole), John (& Leah), Emma, Baker, Sam, Ben (& Dori), Brianna (& Jack), Chris (& Caroline), Tim, Elisabeth, Marielle, Madison, & Alanna, as well as their 8 great-grandchildren: Nick, Savannah, Keira, Ava, Lucy, Alice, Walter, and Hazel. The family especially wishes to thank Elite Senior Home Care and Treasure Coast Hospice for their compassionate and loving support of the family.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Maurice Catholic Church in New Britain at 10:30am on June 14, 2025. The Mass will be followed with burial at St. Mary’s Cemetery in New Britain.